Osprey Reef and Minke Whales

OSPREY REEF, arguably the most famous dive site in the Coral Sea, lies 120 nautical miles east of Mainland Australia, and 188 miles/302 kilometres north east of Cairns. Renowned for its exceptional visibility, steep walls, sharks and other large pelagic life, it is an isolated sea mount 15 miles/24 km long and 6.7 miles/10 km wide at its widest point.

Osprey was once a mountain that subsided as the ocean level increased after the ice ages, and tectonic plate movement shifted it further to the north. Dive sites include places such as North Horn, Jacks Crack, Castles, Raging Horn, & False Entrance.

The closer the bommie is to the pass in the reef, the richer the marine life will be. Pixie Pinnacle is one such place, and has been described as the ultimate underwater fairy garden. Pixie is a coral pinnacle 10 metres in diameter that rises from 30 meters to within 2 meters of the surface. Nestled in a pass between two large reefs, this spot is a favourite.

MINKE WHALE TRIPS The Dwarf Minke Whale is one of the smallest of the baleen whales, growing to a length of 10 metres and a weight of 10 tonnes.  These graceful whales have a more pointed head with a prominent ridge from the blowhole to the tip of the upper jaw.

Minkes are often found throughout the waters north of Cairns from May through July; we can often snorkel with them, as they have inquisitive natures and will approach the vessel both at dive sites and as we steam from site to site.  During the period from May through July, we see and snorkel with Minkes on more than 80% of our trips.

During their annual winter/spring migration the Humpback Whale is sometimes observed in local waters; they are easily recognized by their massive head and long pectoral fins.  Humpbacks grow to a length of 15 to 45 feet, and can weigh as much as 45 tonnes.  Female whales probably use the Great Barrier Reef for calving as it offers sheltered lagoons and bays to drop their calves, protected from the hazards of the ocean and predators such as killer whales and sharks.

Jan - March (27-28°C) - 3mm wetsuit recommended
April – June (24-26°C) - 5mm wetsuit recommended
July - Sept (22-23°C) - 5mm wetsuit recommended
Oct - Dec (25-27°C) - 3mm wetsuit recommended