Meet the site
1770 is a Passions of Paradise site in the central part of Hastings Reef, a position that gives it good protection from strong winds. The name is presumably a nod to the year Cook sailed this coast. The mooring lies over a shallow lagoon, which suits snorkellers and new divers, and nearby are the Twins, a pair of bommies descending to about 20 m that Passions reserves for more experienced divers as an advanced option. The operator lists pelagic fish, sharks, turtles, schools of juvenile fish and coral formations among the site's attractions. The lagoon floor is scattered with coral heads and patches of branching coral, sheltering juvenile fish of many species, and it is bright and calm, with good light for photography. Around the Twins the relief and depth attract larger fish: trevally, mackerel and small reef sharks cruise the bommies, and schooling fusiliers and snapper gather on the up-current side. Turtles are regularly seen resting in the lagoon or on the bommies, and Hastings' humphead parrotfish schools may pass through. Giant clams and anemones with anemonefish are common in the shallows. The site's central location and shelter make it one of the most dependable moorings on Hastings, and the contrast between the shallow lagoon and the deeper Twins means one mooring can serve a whole boatload of mixed-ability guests. Visibility in the lagoon is usually 12-20 m, and the Twins, being further from the reef flat, often have clearer water than the mooring itself. The Twins are best dived early in the day while divers have plenty of gas and no-decompression time in hand.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
1770 (Hastings Reef) is recorded as Reef in Cairns. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is 1770 (Hastings Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book 1770 (Hastings Reef) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Pelagic fish (trevally, mackerel), small reef sharks, turtles, juvenile fish schools, fusiliers, snapper, humphead parrotfish, giant clams, anemonefish
Location
Passions of Paradise mooring in the central part of Hastings Reef, about 50 km north-east of Cairns, over a shallow lagoon with the deeper 'Twins' bommies at 20 m.
Facilities nearby
Departs Reef Fleet Terminal / Marlin Marina, Cairns: toilets, cafes, paid parking; dive gear, tanks and lunch supplied on board
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
passions.com.aucairnsdiveadventures.com.audiversden.com.aureeftrip.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.