

The Wedge offers an ideal introduction to reef diving with depths ranging from 5 to 22 metres and visibility consistently between 12 and 18 metres. This boat-accessible site features a gentle wall with branching corals that drift diving allows you to explore with minimal effort in the mild current. The reef structure attracts green and hawksbill sea turtles year-round, whilst reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. You'll spot cuttlefish hovering near the wall, rays gliding over the sand patches, and eels peering from coral crevices. Look closely at the branching corals to find black spine urchins and the less welcome Drupella snails that feed on the coral. Between May and October, the site transforms into a potential whale watching location. Humpback whales migrate through these waters, and the curious minke whales occasionally approach divers during winter months. The mild current makes this an excellent site for practising drift diving techniques without feeling overwhelmed. Be aware that jellyfish can be present, particularly during summer months. Check with your dive operator about current conditions and any recommended protective clothing. The site works well for building confidence before progressing to more challenging locations.
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Visit between May and October for the best chance of whale sightings, with the mid-season months of July and August generally offering peak activity. Check locally for current facilities and any jellyfish warnings before you head out.
The site is located on Opal Reef, approximately 50km east of Port Douglas, and is accessible only by boat. Numerous dive operators run day trips from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina in Port Douglas.
The wet season (November to April) is known as "stinger season," and protective suits are recommended.
Depth
5-22m
Visibility
12-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
24-30°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
The Wedge in Port Douglas, Queensland ranges from 5 metres to 22 metres deep. This depth profile makes it accessible for beginner divers whilst offering enough variation for exploration. The site is accessed by boat from Port Douglas and features mild currents throughout the depth range.
The Wedge offers encounters with humpback whales, minke whales, sea turtles, reef sharks, cuttlefish, rays, eels, and black spine urchins. The site is particularly notable for whale sightings during the southern migration season. Divers regularly observe a diverse mix of pelagic species and reef inhabitants across the 5 to 22 metre depth range.
The Wedge requires an Open Water Diver certification as the minimum qualification. The site reaches a maximum depth of 22 metres with mild currents, making it suitable for divers who have completed their entry-level certification. Boat diving experience is beneficial as all access is via vessel from Port Douglas.
The Wedge offers optimal diving conditions from May through October. Water temperatures during these months range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius with visibility between 12 and 18 metres. This period coincides with the minke whale season and provides calmer sea conditions along the Queensland coast.
The Wedge is classified as a beginner-level dive site with depths starting at 5 metres and mild currents. An Open Water certification is required, and the site's maximum depth of 22 metres remains within recreational limits. The boat-based entry from Port Douglas provides a controlled access point for less experienced divers.
The Wedge is accessed exclusively by boat from Port Douglas, Queensland. Dive operators in Port Douglas provide regular trips to the site, which lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. No shore access is available, and a boat is required for all diving at this location.
Jellyfish are the primary hazard at The Wedge, particularly during the warmer months in Queensland waters. Divers should wear appropriate exposure protection and be aware of seasonal jellyfish patterns. The mild currents and beginner-friendly depth profile minimise other diving risks at this Port Douglas site.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at The Wedge in Port Douglas. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C.
The Wedge in Port Douglas has depths ranging from 5 metres to 22 metres.