Great Barrier Reef Osprey

Great Barrier Reef Osprey Reef Diving Guide

Osprey Reef, located in the Coral Sea beyond the Great Barrier Reef, is renowned for its pristine waters, dramatic drop-offs, and abundant pelagic marine life. This isolated atoll offers unparalleled diving experiences, attracting experienced divers seeking thrilling encounters with sharks, rays, and other large marine creatures.

Dive Details

Depth, Visibility, and Temperature

• Typical depth range: 5 - 40+ meters (15 - 130+ feet)
• Average visibility: 30 - 50+ meters (100 - 165+ feet)
• Water temperature:
  • Summer (December - February): 27 - 29°C (81 - 84°F)
  • Winter (June - August): 22 - 24°C (72 - 75°F)
• Difficulty level: Intermediate to Advanced. Strong currents can be present.

Marine Life

Osprey Reef is a magnet for marine megafauna. Divers can expect to see:

• Grey reef sharks (frequent encounters)
• Silvertip sharks
• Hammerhead sharks (seasonal)
• Whitetip reef sharks
• Manta rays
• Eagle rays
• Dogtooth tuna
• Giant trevally
• Large schools of pelagic fish
• Healthy coral gardens in shallower areas

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Osprey Reef for diving is generally from August to November. During these months, the weather is more stable, the visibility is at its peak, and the chances of encountering hammerhead sharks are higher. The water temperature is also comfortable for most divers.

What Makes It Special

Osprey Reef's remoteness and protected status contribute to its exceptional marine biodiversity and pristine condition. Its claim to fame is the daily shark feed at North Horn, attracting large numbers of grey reef sharks in a controlled environment. The steep drop-offs around the atoll create dramatic underwater landscapes and provide habitat for diverse marine life.

Practical Tips

Due to its remote location, diving at Osprey Reef typically involves multi-day liveaboard trips. Divers should:

• Be experienced and comfortable diving in strong currents.
• Have advanced certification or equivalent experience.
• Bring appropriate diving gear, including a reef hook for observing sharks.
• Consult with the liveaboard operator regarding specific dive site conditions and requirements.
• Be aware of and respect the guidelines for shark feeding operations.
• Consider bringing seasickness medication, as the journey to Osprey Reef can be rough.