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Coral Sea Reefs (Osprey Reef and North Horn) - Cairns, Queensland , Australia
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While Coral Sea Reefs maybe Great Barrier Reef closest neighbours, diving in
these two areas are actually quite different. Reefs at Coral Sea are well known
for their residents shark, pelagics action and gin clear water. To know more
details on Coral Sea Reefs, please visit our
Coral Sea Reefs scuba diving guide. In this page, our attention is on
the Osprey Reef and North Horne Reef.
Both Reef are closest to
Far Northern Section of Great Barrier Reef. Located more than 150km
Northeast of Lizard Island, Osprey Reef and North Horne Reef are considered by
many as the ultimate reef diving adventure. Here, the sharks population is very
healthy and in each dive these magnificient creatures would make a faithful
appearance to set divers heart pumping. Large and coloful soft corals can be
found here too.
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Dive Sites around Coral Sea Reefs (Osprey Reef and North Horn)
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North Horne
North Horne Reef is the most northerly reef of all Coral Sea Reefs. This is a
very popular dive site with divers. The reef itself sits in the depth of 20 to
45m. Numerous hard, soft corals and gorgonian grow here. The reef itself
attracts many fish including large potato cods, school of barracuda, trevally,
tuna and mackerel. Resident Whitetip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, and
Silvertip Sharks are often sighted. During winter, Hammerhead sharks visit this
site in large schools. Lucky divers will also spot occassional visitors such as
the Thresher sharks and lone Tiger sharks. At this site, most liveaboard
operators will conduct shark feedings to draw the sharks close to the divers
for some high adreline actions. As thought this is not enough, Eagle Rays and
Manta Rays sighting are also quite common here.
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Osprey Reef
Osprey Reef, located just south of North Horne Reef, has a length of 21 km and
an area of more then 100 sq km. The reef offers wall divings around its
perimeter that dropoff 1km to the Coral Sea floor. The reef has very large soft
corals that are filled with spectacular colors. Visibility on the average reach
more than 30m and sharks population here is very healthy. One of the dive sites
here is known as the Flashlight Ravine. When dived at night, divers will get to
see flashlight fish feeding.
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Best Time to Dive in Coral Sea Reefs (Osprey Reef and North Horn)
The best time to go to Coral Sea Reef is from March to December.
Where to Stay in Cairns and Port Douglas
Divers hoping to visit Osprey Reef and North Horne should based themselves in
Cairns or Port Douglas.
Cairns is a well-developed tourists town that caters to all sorts of
travellers. There are many fun filled activities for everybody and even a
Casino for people who wants to try their luck.
Port Douglas on the other hand is a small town outside Cairns that offers a
peaceful and more laid back lifestyle to the travellers. Most people whom come
here are either heading towards Great Barrier Reef on liveaboard tours or are
going to some offshore islands for short stays.
For accommodation recommendation in Cairns and Port Douglas, refer to our Great Barrier Reef (Cairns) - Where to Stay in Cairns and Port Douglas
See a complete listing of
Cairns Hotels and Accommodations
See a complete listing of
Port Douglas Hotels and Accommodations
How to get to Cairns and Port Douglas
Cairns has an International Airport, from the airport, transport to hotels
either in Cairns or Port Douglas can be easily arranged. Cost of transportation
is about A$30 per passenger for mini-vans.
Thereafter, there are many diving operators in Cairns and Port Douglas that
provide liveaboard trip to Osprey Reef and North Horne.
Major airlines offering daily flights to Cairns include
Other Interesting Dive Sites
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