Meet the site
Southside is a site on the south side of Opal Reef described by Wavelength Reef Cruises as a shallow coral shelf with vertical walls, offering good bommie dives in specific wind conditions. The shallow shelf is covered in coral and fish, ideal for snorkelling, while the vertical walls drop away from its edge, providing a sense of depth and drama. Below the walls, bommies rise from the reef floor, adding structure and attracting fish. This combination of habitats – shelf, wall and bommie – gives the site variety. Because it faces south, Southside is exposed to the prevailing south-east trade winds and is visited only when winds are light or from a favourable direction. On those days, snorkellers can enjoy the shelf and peer over the walls, while divers can explore the bommies below. Expect reef fish over the shelf, schooling fish along the walls, and larger animals – turtles, reef sharks, trevally – around the bommies. No depth figures are published, and because the site is weather-limited it is visited far less often than the sheltered Opal moorings, which keeps it quiet. Wavelength is a snorkel-only operator that runs a single fast catamaran to its own exclusive moorings, carrying marine biologists who guide snorkel tours and give reef talks; the skipper picks three of the company's sites each day according to wind and tide, so no single site can be guaranteed. Scuba divers who want to see the site underwater at depth would need to charter a small-group dive boat, and the site name may not be used by other operators.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Southside (Opal Reef) is recorded as Reef in Port Douglas. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Southside (Opal Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. 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 Southside (Opal 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
Reef fish, schooling fusiliers, turtles, reef sharks, trevally, hard corals
Location
A shallow coral shelf with vertical walls on the south side of Opal Reef, with good bommie dives in the right wind.
Facilities nearby
Departs Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas – car parking, toilets, cafes and restaurants at the marina; dive shops in town for gear hire and air
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
wavelength.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.