Meet the site
Chardons Reef is an open offshore reef east of Noosa. Deep Sea Fishing Co gives its position as 26°23.920'S 153°15.480'E, about 9 km from the Noosa bar, and describes it as an 'open reef area popular for pelagic species' in 30-55 m. That depth range places it beyond recreational diving limits for most of the reef.
As a deep open reef in clean offshore water, it can be expected to hold large pelagic fish – mackerel, tuna, kingfish and trevally, which is why fishers target it – along with sponge and gorgonian growth typical of deeper Sunshine Coast reefs, but none of this has been documented by divers.
In practice it is a technical dive: depths of 30 m and more require decompression planning and appropriate gas, the site is exposed to strong offshore currents, and it can only be reached on flat days via the Noosa bar. It should be attempted only by trained technical divers with a capable boat and a dedicated boat handler.
For recreational divers in Noosa, Jew Shoal is the practical choice; for deep reef diving on the Sunshine Coast, the better-documented options are the Outer Gneerings, Murphys Reef and, for technical divers, Barwon Banks. Anyone planning an exploratory dive here should survey the reef with a sounder first and choose the shallowest structure.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Chardons Reef is recorded as Reef in Sunshine Coast. The listed access is boat. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Chardons Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Technical (decompression). 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 Chardons 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 (mackerel, tuna, kingfish, trevally) targeted by fishers; reef life undocumented
Location
Open offshore reef in 30-55 m about 9 km from the Noosa bar, east of Sunshine Beach, popular for pelagic fishing.
Facilities nearby
Departure: Noosa River ramps
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
deepseafishingco.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.