Agincourt Reef

Located just 62.4 kilometres northeast of Port Douglas, Agincourt Reef is one of the most popular and easily accessible sites on the Great Barrier Reef. Known for its breathtaking beauty and rich marine life.  Agincourt Reef offers something for everyone—from seasoned divers to snorkelers looking to explore the vibrant underwater world.

Why Agincourt Reef?

As the closest reef to Port Douglas and Cairns, Agincourt Reef is often the go-to spot for day tours. This stunning reef complex comprises a collection of smaller reefs, each offering unique experiences. The underwater terrain is incredibly diverse, with shallow coral gardens, swim-throughs, caves, bommies, and gutters teeming with colourful fish, giant clams, and vibrant corals. The visibility is exceptional, averaging around 30 metres all year, providing crystal-clear views of the reef’s incredible biodiversity.

Dive into Agincourt Reef’s Rich Marine Life

With depths ranging from 20 to 50 metres, Agincourt Reef has a variety of dive sites suited for all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, you’ll find many stunning spots to explore.

• Nursery Bommie is perfect for snorkelers and beginner divers. With a shallow depth and an abundance of clownfish, angelfish, and giant clams.
• For those seeking a bit more adventure, Point Break and Phii’s Barracuda Bommie offer a chance to see large predators like reef sharks and dogtooth tuna in their natural habitat.
• Experienced divers will love exploring the Ribbon Reefs, where deeper waters reveal larger marine life, including reef sharks and massive groupers.

Iconic Dive Sites at Agincourt Reef

Castle Rock

A standout location at the reef’s southern end, this large coral pinnacle rises dramatically from a steep sand slope. It offers superb diving opportunities, with a wide variety of marine life, including the friendly 1.2-metre Malabar groper, curious triggerfish, and the occasional white-tip reef shark. Perfect for both macro and wide-angle photography!

The Wreck

The site of a Taiwanese fishing boat that sank more than 70 years ago, this fascinating wreck lies at a depth of 12–22 metres. It’s home to sweetlips, fusiliers, clownfish, green turtles, and even the occasional grey reef whaler shark. It’s a must-see for wreck diving enthusiasts!

Giant Clams and Maori Wrasse

At nearly every dive site, you’ll also find large clusters of giant clams and resident Maori wrasse. These gentle giants often swim up to divers, offering a unique, unforgettable experience.

Snorkelling and Shallow Water Wonders

Even if you’re not a diver, Agincourt Reef has plenty to offer snorkelers. The shallow areas, especially near Castle Rock, are perfect for swimming with giant clams, parrotfish, and rays. Encounter blue-spotted lagoon rays gliding gracefully across the sandy floor, often buried with just their eyes and tails visible. The vibrant coral gardens and clear waters make for an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler.

Getting There: Easy Access from Port Douglas

The reef is easily accessible by boat from Port Douglas. The boat ride takes around 90 minutes, offering stunning views as you head out to the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef. Once there, you’ll find several tour operators offering trips to Agincourt Reef, including Quicksilver Cruises, which provides a semi-submersible vessel for non-swimmers and snorkelers who want to experience the reef without getting wet.

Dive Sites for Every Skill Level

With 5 to 30 metres of dive sites, Agincourt Reef is perfect for divers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the shallow gardens or an experienced diver seeking deeper waters and larger marine life, there’s something here for you. Sites like Barracuda Bommie offer excellent visibility and exciting encounters with larger fish, while the Coral Gardens are home to vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life.

Unforgettable Marine Encounters

Agincourt Reef is known for its incredible biodiversity. Beyond the iconic fish species like clownfish and sweetlips, divers and snorkelers alike can expect to encounter:

• Graceful blue-spotted lagoon rays and white-tip reef sharks
• Colourful Christmas tree worms that decorate the reef
• Playful lionfish lurking in overhangs
• The curious Malabar groper, a friendly giant often seen interacting with divers

Tour Options to Suit Every Adventurer

There are plenty of tour options to suit all kinds of adventurers. Whether you prefer a snorkelling adventure or a scuba diving experience, you’ll find a tour that fits your needs. Port Douglas offers numerous tours to Agincourt Reef, including:

• Quicksilver Cruises: Take a catamaran tour to the reef’s activity platform, ideal for swimmers and non-swimmers. You’ll have plenty of time to snorkel, dive, and enjoy the marine life up close.
• Posideon Reef Cruises: A popular day trip that gives you a full experience of the reef’s stunning sights and marine encounters. Book Now
• Silversonic Port Douglas offers a fantastic way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, including the stunning Agincourt Reef. This high-speed catamaran is perfect for those looking for a fast and comfortable ride to the reef, with plenty of time to enjoy the underwater wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Agincourt Reef

Agincourt Reef: The Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Experience

Whether you’re diving, snorkelling, or simply soaking up stunning views, Agincourt Reef is one of the most amazing destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Its rich marine life, crystal-clear waters, and easy access from Port Douglas make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of the reef.

So, pack your gear, jump aboard a tour, and dive into the underwater paradise that is Agincourt Reef—you won’t regret it!