Australia Diving

Osprey Reef: Admiralty

Osprey Reef is generally considered to represent the best diving in Australia's Great Barrier Reef area. Since it is further offshore and not part of the continental shelf it enjoys clear and rich waters, 2 key factors needed for excellent diving conditions. Admiralty showcases both factors well.

There is a steep drop-off where nutrient-filled currents rise up against the solid structure making the area rich in food and therefore rich in feeders. Visibility here is often phenomenal, rising above 60 metres, and the topography of the site means there is often plenty to see in the distance.

The name Admiralty comes from the centuries old admiralty-style anchor that sits in a cave which provides an entertaining (if a little narrow) swim-through and gives the reef a focal point. Otherwise this reef is characterised by healthy hills of coral interspersed with sandy channels. Visually it appears like a coral village and you can spend the whole dive touring around the sandy roads and lanes.

The slopes, pinnacles and mounds feature a lot of stony, leather and staghorn corals as well as crinoids in hues of yellow and black. Marine life includes schools of midnight snapper, red-tailed wrasses, goldstripe wrasses, lyretail hogfish and lyretail sandperch. More obvious Australian diving highlights include white tip and grey reef sharks, and the occasional passing eagle ray in the deeper sections.

Incredible visibility, pristine reefs, clean sandy channels and plenty of fish action, Admiralty is one of those Australia dive sites that you don't mind to visit several times over.

Admiralty Reef Basics: Reef dive with channels
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 30 - 60m
Currents: Normally gentle, can be strong
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 25 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: 1
Diving season: All year round although weather dependent
Distance: 165 km from Lizard Island, 355 km north of Cairns
Access: Australia liveaboards

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