Dive-site story
Blue Buoy sits along the sheltered inner rim of Opal Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef, accessible via day boats departing Port Douglas. The site is characterized by an extensive reef wall punctuated with isolated coral bommies and shallow sandy channels. Hard coral formations dominate the structure, providing habitat for territorial reef fish, foraging turtles, and juvenile pelagics patrolling the drop-off.
Large coral bommies draped in hard coral gardens and soft branching corals
Sheltered sandy channels where resting white-tip reef sharks and rays can be found
Abundant anemone colonies with clownfish along the shallower reef flats
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Spring and early summer bring the calmest seas, clearest water, and optimal coral spawning conditions.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetip reef sharkTriaenodon obesus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Green sea turtleChelonia mydas | Common | ||||||||||||
| Barramundi codCromileptes altivelis | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Clown anemonefishAmphiprion percula | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant clamTridacna gigas | Common |
Marine forecast
