Norman Reef (16.4279° S, 145.9965° E) is 70 kilometres off Australia’s east coast, on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef’s continental shelf. Our furthest north Outer Barrier Reef location.
Norman Reef is without a doubt one of Cairns’ most sought-after snorkelling and diving destinations. Norman Reef has shallow coral gardens, walls and drop-offs, swim-throughs, and caves. One of the dive sites even has a small wreck. With multiple mooring locations on Norman Reef, even the most avid water enthusiasts will find plenty of diving and snorkelling opportunities.
The snorkelling and diving around Norman Reef is well-known for its crystal clear waters and incredible visibility, which can reach 30 metres (100 feet).
Dive sites at Norman Reef:
- Caves
- The Nursery
- Plate Top
- Troppos
- Turtle Bay
Commonly found marine life at Norman Reef:
- Clownfish (often seen in anemones)
- Parrotfish
- Butterflyfish
- Angelfish
- Triggerfish
- Reef Sharks (such as White-Tip and Black-Tip Reef Sharks)
- Sea Turtles (Green and Hawksbill turtles)
- Giant Clams
- Barracuda
- Mackerel
- Moray Eels
- Nudibranchs (colorful sea slugs)
- Lionfish
- Coral Species (including staghorn, brain, plate, and soft corals)
- Giant Trevally
- Anemonefish
- Sea Cucumbers
- Surgeonfish