Chinamans Reef
Chinamans Reef is about 48 km north-east of Port Douglas and is often the last dive of a liveaboard trip. The reef runs south and McFadyen drifted along it: the wall drops to 35 m and slopes to 40 m or more, with sparse growth at first and more gorgonias and sea whips further on. After about 30 minutes of gentle drift the base comes up to about 25 m near a bay-like area with large bommies. Large fish were scarce on the visit. Located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Green (no-take) zones allow diving without a permit, but fishing and collecting are prohibited; tourism operators hold the park permits and the environmental management charge is passed on through the operator. Check the current zoning map before any non-operator visit.
Facts
- Region: Great Barrier Reef North
- Area: Port Douglas & Agincourt
- Depth: 8–40 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: wall, drift
- Coordinates: -16.2113, 145.8122 (approximate)
- Highlights: drift wall, gorgonias, sea whips, bommie bay
- Tips: Gentle drift suited as a last dive; keep within your no-decompression limits when flying next day.