Meet the site
Arlington Reef is one of the largest reef systems in the Cairns section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a broad platform reef lying between Green Island and Michaelmas Cay about 35 km north-east of the city. Despite its size it is less prominent on dive itineraries than the outer reefs, and today most divers see it on a half-day pontoon trip. The Sunlover half-day tour spends three hours at a pontoon moored in sheltered water just metres from the reef, with a submerged platform for easy entry. Cairns Dive Adventures describes large coral gardens with many different species of soft and hard corals, and lists giant Maori wrasse, potato cod, anemonefish, glassfish, cuttlefish, sea turtles and giant clams among the wildlife. Certified dives go to a maximum of 15 m for about 40 minutes, introductory dives usually no deeper than 8 m, and helmet diving and snorkelling are also offered. The potato cod are worth noting: these large, spotted groupers are curious and often approach divers closely. The trip suits people with limited time who want a short reef experience, and families where not everyone dives, rather than experienced divers seeking multiple deeper dives. Being closer to the coast than the outer reefs, Arlington's visibility is typically lower and falls after rain. Some Arlington sites are also used by private charters and sailing boats. Pretty Patches, a separate isolated patch reef between Arlington and Michaelmas, has its own entry. The short trip makes it a practical option for travellers with an afternoon flight, bearing in mind the 12-24 hour no-fly interval after diving.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Arlington 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 Arlington Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 Arlington 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
Maori wrasse, potato cod, anemonefish, glassfish, cuttlefish, green turtles, giant clams, soft and hard corals
Location
Large platform reef about 35 km north-east of Cairns between Green Island and Michaelmas Cay; dived mainly from a pontoon on its sheltered side.
Facilities nearby
Pontoon with submerged entry platform, shade, toilets, BBQ lunch; departs Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns
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
cairnsdiveadventures.com.aureefexperience.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.