Diving conditions in May on Great Barrier Reef

Created by stuart under Calypso News on Sunday 19th of May 2013

Diving conditions in May on Great Barrier Reef. With fellow photographers Richard Johnston and Zach Friedell to the Great Barrier Reef, we were pleasantly surprised with 10-15m visibility and abundant marine life surrounding the Sunlover Cruises pontoon on Moore Reef. During our 2 dives we spotted 2 turtles, a maori (Napoleon) wrasse, abundant fusiliers, chromis, clown-fish,to name a few. Hard and soft coral was healthy and plentiful, a great dive. Water temperate was 24C, 5-10 kts, surface conditions ideal, with very little swell.

Below are some photos I took with my D700. Richard was testing his brand new Sony NEX 6 in Nauticam housing, and Zach with our trusty Panasonic Lumix FT4 rental unit. A productive and enjoyable day was had by all, thank you Sunlover Cruises.

For those wishing to capture these images themselves, various camera units are available to hire from Calypso Reef Imagery Centre

Fusilier School at City Hall , Moore Reef

A short swim from the main outer reef wall is City Hall. A favorite amongst local certified divers and instructors.
Long swim-throughs, tunnels and over hangs makes for an interesting dive topography. Large schools of fusilers flash by, as lone trevally patrol the wall.

Resident Lionfish and Batfish – Great diving on Great Barrier Reef

On the north side, a large over hang host a resident lionfish, batfish and a small school of sweetlip. Long sea whips protrude off the wall, surrounded by large colonies of spaghetti coral swaying in the current

Green Turtle- Moore Reef -Great diving on Great Barrier Reef

Secret is now out! The best place to find green sea turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, is directly infront of Sunlover Cruises pontoon.
Swimming slowly, while stopping to feed on weed hiden amongst the coral, green turtles are very friendly here, and great subjects to take photos of!

Hello Tina! – Cairns Best underwater photographers – Calypso Reef Imagery

Tina Wilm from Calypso Reef Imagery poses for a quick shot with best mate Wally.

Hello Wally – Great diving on Great Barrier Reef

There are currently 3 resident Maori Wrasse which are seen nearly everyday on Moore Reef. The largest ones are male, and usually dominate over the smaller females.