

Pellowe Reef combines a shallow reef top with a wall and drop-off that pushes down to 30 metres, giving intermediate divers real depth variety in a single dive. Visibility runs 15 to 20 metres, so you get clean sightlines across the structure. The moderate current does the work on drift sections, carrying you past groupers and chevron barracuda in open water, while reef sharks patrol the deeper edges. Slow down on the shallower reef and you'll find nudibranchs and clownfish tucked into the coral. Turtles and pelagic fish make appearances throughout. Watch the current carefully as it can strengthen without much warning, and jellyfish are a seasonal consideration.
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Time your dive around the tidal cycle rather than the clock, since the drift sections fish best on a moving current rather than at slack water. Keep a close eye on boat traffic during your surface intervals, as this is a boat-access site with active vessel movement in the area.
Pellowe Reef is an outer reef located approximately 61.5 km from Cairns. Access is only possible via a full-day boat trip or liveaboard from operators departing from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns.
Stinger (jellyfish) season typically runs from November to May; wearing a full-body wetsuit or stinger suit is highly recommended during these months. Currents can be strong and unpredictable.
Depth
5-30m
Visibility
15-20m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
22-29°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Pellowe Reef in Queensland, Australia requires at least an Open Water certification, though Advanced Open Water is recommended due to the site's intermediate difficulty level and moderate currents. The reef extends from 5 metres to 30 metres depth, with deeper sections and current conditions making advanced training beneficial. Most dive operators running charters from Cairns will verify your certification level before allowing you to dive this site.
Pellowe Reef ranges from 5 metres at the shallowest sections to 30 metres at maximum depth. The varied depth profile makes it suitable for multilevel diving, with reef sharks, turtles and groupers found throughout the site. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 20 metres across all depth zones.
Pellowe Reef hosts reef sharks, sea turtles, groupers and chevron barracuda as its signature species. Divers also regularly encounter nudibranchs, clownfish amongst anemones, and seasonal pelagic fish passing through. The moderate currents attract larger marine life while the reef structure provides habitat for smaller tropical species.
The best months to dive Pellowe Reef are May through November, covering Australia's dry season when conditions are most stable. Water temperatures during this period range from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius, with the cooler months offering the clearest visibility. Boat charters from Cairns operate year-round, but the dry season provides the most consistent diving conditions with reduced rainfall and calmer seas.
Pellowe Reef is accessed exclusively by boat charter departing from Cairns, Queensland. Multiple dive operators offer guided tours to the site, as it cannot be reached from shore. Boat traffic is present in the area, so divers must follow proper surface procedures including safety sausage deployment and staying close to the charter vessel.
Pellowe Reef experiences moderate currents that require intermediate diving skills and good buoyancy control. The currents can strengthen unpredictably, making this site unsuitable for beginners despite some shallow areas at 5 metres. Divers should be prepared for drift diving techniques and maintain awareness of their position relative to the boat.
There is no government entry fee or marine park charge to dive Pellowe Reef itself. However, you must pay for boat charter services from Cairns, as the site requires boat access and cannot be reached independently. Charter costs vary by operator and typically include guided tours with experienced divemasters familiar with the reef's currents and marine life.
Pellowe Reef in Cairns is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Pellowe Reef in Cairns. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C.
Pellowe Reef in Cairns has depths ranging from 5 metres to 30 metres.
A typical dive at Pellowe Reef in Cairns lasts approximately 45 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.