Dive site · access from Cairns & Outer Great Barrier Reef
Saxon Reef
Saxon Reef: Compact outer reef.
- Depth
- 5–25m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Compact outer reef
- Coral gardens and bommies
- Shorter Cairns itineraries
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.
Access and timing
Plan this through Cairns & Outer Great Barrier Reef
Best overall months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.
Wildlife
Seen around Cairns & Outer Great Barrier Reef
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Saxon Reef.
Humpback whale
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Potato cod
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Reef manta ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Grey reef shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Hawksbill turtle
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nearby alternatives
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Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Cairns Area Plan of Management, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.