Meet the site
Tina's Arm is Fairey Reef's showcase wall. 100 Magic Miles describes small bommies extending from a coral wall, with large Porites corals and gorgonian fans, depths of 5–30 m and excellent visibility of 15–30 m. Reef sharks, barracuda, turtles and diverse fish life are listed. The combination of wall and bommies gives the dive shape: divers can follow the wall, then swing out to the bommies that extend from it like fingers – perhaps the 'arm' of the name – before returning. Gorgonian fans on the wall and bommies indicate regular current, and the large Porites colonies, some likely centuries old, add scale. The guide warns that current can be problematic and recommends slack water; the snorkelling is excellent but current-prone. For divers, this is a site to plan around the tide, and to dive with a skipper who knows the reef. Tina's Arm is visited by liveaboards and private charters working the outer reefs east of the Whitsundays rather than by scheduled day trips. Its clear water and structure make it one of the more attractive dives in the Fairey–Bait–Hardy group for experienced divers. Coordinates are approximate, and its condition after Cyclone Debbie and later bleaching is not documented in the sources reviewed. Photographers should bring a wide-angle lens for the fans and Porites, and plan the dive so the current carries them along the wall rather than across open water between bommies. Snorkellers on board should stay close to the boat, as current can build quickly when the tide turns.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Tina's Arm (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.
- 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 Tina's Arm (Fairey Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Tina's Arm (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
Reef sharks, barracuda, turtles, large Porites corals, gorgonian fans, reef fish
Location
Coral wall on Fairey Reef with small bommies extending from it, large Porites corals and gorgonian fans, 5–30 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.