Meet the site
Little Fairey Inlet is a notch in Fairey Reef that offers sheltered wall diving on the outer reef. 100 Magic Miles describes a wall at the inlet entrance with canyons and small lagoons, depths of 10–16 m and visibility of 10–20 m. Current is small outside the inlet, and there is good protection inside. The wall is well populated with angelfish, cod, coral trout and sweetlips, which the guide lists as highlights, and its snorkelling is rated excellent – the wall top is close to the surface, with coral and fish visible from above. There may be some current at the opening. Canyons running back from the wall lead into small lagoons, giving divers a simple route: along the wall, into the canyons, through a lagoon and back. Its modest depth and shelter make it a comfortable dive for Open Water divers and a good snorkel, and it complements Fairey Reef's other sites, from the easy Henry's Bommie and The Shoals to the current-prone Tina's Arm. Access is by liveaboard or private charter from Airlie Beach; no scheduled day trip lists Fairey Reef. The inlet's exact position is not given in the sources reviewed, and its condition after Cyclone Debbie is undocumented. For those on a multi-day outer-reef trip, it is a pleasant, sheltered site to use when the trades are blowing and the exposed faces are rough. A torch helps to bring out the colours on the shaded canyon walls, and the inlet's shelter also makes it a candidate for night diving from an anchored vessel.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Little Fairey Inlet (Fairey Reef) is recorded as Wall in Whitsundays & Bowen. 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.
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 Little Fairey Inlet (Fairey 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 Little Fairey Inlet (Fairey 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
Angelfish, cod, coral trout, sweetlips, reef fish, hard and soft corals
Location
Inlet on Fairey Reef with a wall at the entrance, canyons and small lagoons, 10–16 m.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) and Hamilton Island marina; air fills, hire and courses at Airlie Beach dive centres. No facilities at the bays.
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
100magicmiles.com100magicmiles.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.