Explore Port Douglas
Port Douglas in Northern Queensland, Australia offers one of the best access points to the Great Barrier Reef - the largest coral reef in the world. Crystal clear blue waters, thriving coral gardens and year round warm weather means that it is growing in popularity as a diving destination.
Cairns is the place with the highest number of Open Water certifications and Port Douglas certainly gets its share, with plenty of tourists now favouring this quieter town. Diving courses are popular due to the warm, calm water, tropical marine life and the appeal of diving on this infamous reef.
Dive resorts and dive centres are numerous, with plenty of outfits ready to suit your needs - whether you are a complete novice or seasoned diver. Liveaboards are another very popular way to see the Great Barrier Reef. With dozens of different reef systems (Opal, Agincourt Ribbon, Endeavour and Hastings - to name but a few) it can be the best way to see as much as possible. It also makes it easier to explore the outer reaches of the reef which can include Minke and humpback whale encounters at certain times of the year. Many leave from nearby, either in Port Douglas itself or from Cairns.
Top Port Douglas Dive Sites
1. Agincourt Reef – 3 Sisters
A favorite among divers, this site features three bommies rising from 30m to shallow depths. Grey reef sharks, angelfish, and parrotfish are common. With excellent visibility and mild currents, it suits all scuba divers and underwater photographers.
2. Barracuda Bommie
Located at the edge of the outer reef, this 22m-deep pinnacle attracts dogtooth tuna, grey reef sharks, and macro critters. Ideal for intermediate to advanced scuba divers, the bommie offers colorful corals and a vibrant mix of marine life.
3. Osprey Reef – North Horn
Accessible via liveaboard, this advanced dive offers thrilling shark feeds with whitetips, silvertips, and the occasional hammerhead or tiger shark. Dramatic walls and strong drifts make this site unforgettable for experienced scuba divers.
4. SS Yongala Wreck
Although farther south, this wreck is often included in extended dive trips from Port Douglas. Sitting at 15–33m, the wreck is covered in marine life—rays, giant groupers, and sharks. Strong currents and depth make it best for advanced divers.
5. Opal Reef – Blue Wonder
A shallower, beginner-friendly reef site near Port Douglas, Blue Wonder has soft coral gardens and abundant reef fish. Suitable for both scuba and freediving, this site is great for spotting anemonefish, turtles, and giant clams in calm conditions
The best Months to dive in Port Douglas
Port Douglas diving is possible year round due to consistently warm weather. During the summer months between November and April, temperatures soar to the low 30s and water temperatures hover around 28°C. It usually stays below 30°C which is important as this is the temperature above which coral bleaching occurs.
This season tends to be the wettest, with short, heavy showers occurring more frequently. This doesn’t affect the diving too much, though some sites close to shore may have reduced visibility due to runoff. Stingers are usually present at this time too, so be sure to wear a rash vest.
The dry season coincides with winter, from May to October. The temperatures drop but remain comfortably in the mid-20s, while the water temperatures dip to around 23°C. The winter months are when whales migrate up Australia’s east coast and when you have the best chance to spot these magnificent creatures. This is the busiest time of year, when the town’s population can double.