Diving and Snorkelling at Hastings Reef
Written by: Cameron Ward
Published: 03/15/2017
Reading time: 3 mins
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. With colourful marine life and an expansive array of landscapes to explore, the reef is an oasis in the sea. From paradise islands to ancient coral cays that bask beneath turquoise waters you must visit when in Australia.
Hastings Reef is one of the more popular reefs in the area and sits around 30 nautical miles outside of bustling Cairns. It is thought it was created during the last ice age, which took place around 15,000 years ago. The reef sits where the coastline once ended.
This region on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef is the preferred location for corals. Here they can thrive in the warm waters away from rivers and streams.
The reef itself is a typical outer reef, with deep ocean swells that break against the reef wall. It is shallow on top, with sheer sides that drop away into the surrounding water. This deep drop makes it the perfect place to explore the outer reef.
Diving and Snorkelling at Hastings Reef
To explore everything Hastings Reef has to offer, you’ll want to dip beneath the water’s surface. Discover vibrant marine life darting along the ocean floor. As well as colourful corals in all shapes and sizes. The reef is filled with a selection of stunning creatures that can only be found in this part of the world.
Hastings Reef is a well-loved snorkelling and diving hotspot thanks to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. This means the water is incredibly clear and the visibility is good, plus there are plenty of unique coral formations to explore as the reef peters out into the sea.
Keep your eyes peeled for coral caves, overhangs, and deep water drop offs that highlight just how magical this natural wonder is. Elsewhere, you can swim past shallow coral bays and canyons before swimming alongside some of the area’s best-loved marine life.
There are plenty of fish to spot, including parrot fish, butterfly fish, and rabbit fish, as well as other creatures like giant turtles, clams and other shellfish, and, of course, there will be a number of opportunities for you to find Nemo.
Every trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a unique one, and exploring everything Hastings Reef has to offer gives you the chance to see just how diverse this natural wonder is. As well as quirky marine life, you’ll get to see a unique selection of coral formations like nowhere else in the world.
Related article: How was the Great Barrier Reef formed?
