Meet the site
Pretty Patches is a lesser-known patch reef between Arlington Reef and Michaelmas Cay, made up of three separate patches with shallow lagoons, according to Tusa Reef Tours. Tusa and Passions of Paradise are the only two companies permitted to dive the location, which is one reason Passions describes it as very untouched. Passions adds that the reef is isolated, that its bommies are tightly grouped, that turtles are common and coral cover is excellent, and that depths reach about 18 m; it visits only in light summer winds. Tusa describes breathtaking underwater formations, with staghorn corals, sea fans, spaghetti corals, leather mushroom corals and brain corals. The tight grouping of the bommies means divers are constantly moving between coral heads, through gaps and around corners, which makes the dive feel intricate and full of discovery. The lagoons between the patches are shallow and bright, good for snorkellers and for photographers who want colour. Because so few boats use it, the coral shows little sign of diver damage, and the fish are relatively relaxed. Beyond turtles, expect a typical mid-shelf community of parrotfish, damsels, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish and coral trout, with reef sharks possible on the edges. The depth is modest and the conditions calm when it is visited, so it suits all levels. Coordinates for the patches are not published. It is a special stop for Cairns regulars, as it is available only on selected days. Visibility is typically 10-18 m on the calm days when it is visited, and often better.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pretty Patches 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 Pretty Patches 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 Pretty Patches 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
Turtles, parrotfish, damselfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, coral trout, staghorn corals, sea fans, spaghetti corals, leather mushroom corals, brain corals
Location
Isolated patch reef (three separate patches) between Arlington Reef and Michaelmas Cay, about 40 km north-east of Cairns; only two operators are permitted to dive it.
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
tusareeftours.com.aupassions.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.