Mackay Reef
Conditions & tides
Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model
Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
Dived here today? How were conditions vs. what we showed?
About this site
Mackay Reef is a lesser-known reef on the Great Barrier Reef near Port Douglas, away from the main tourist areas. Sea turtles are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish.
On most days the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach from the water. Visibility is best in the dry season from May to October, and stingers are a hazard from late October to April or May.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
Long-spined Crown-of-ThornsAcanthaster planciReported here · unconfirmed
Eagle rayEagle rayConfirmed present · 2 independent sources
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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