Great Barrier Reef Coral Spawning Expeditions

Overview

Please note: we will not be operating single trips to the coral spawning event in 2024. However, we are still offering the opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon aboard our liveaboard vessel OceanQuest. We will keep you updated as we approach the event, and provide further details on the best times to experience coral spawning.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see coral spawning on the Great Barrier Reef on our special night trips. Once a year, usually just after a full moon in late spring or early summer, all the corals on the reef spawn at once in a dazzling display. 

You’ve probably never thought about how coral reproduces, but the answer is nothing short of spectacular! Millions of tiny cells come shooting out of corals all over the reef in a mass synchronised event, pouring into the water like champagne bubbles and forming a massive pink ‘slick’ that coats the surface.  

This rare and dramatic phenomenon lasts just a couple of nights, after which the tiny baby corals settle down onto the reef and find a place to grow and flourish. 

A nighttime coral spawning dive trip is an unforgettable experience. We offer dedicated Great Barrier Reef coral spawning night trips from Cairns for divers and snorkellers, giving you the chance to see the action and return to Cairns.

During the trip we’ll be serving a range of tasty snacks when boarding, and hot dinner after the first dive to keep you fuelled, including:

• Lasagna
• Terriyaki
• Curry and rice
• Spaghetti Bolognese
• Salad and Bread Rolls
• Tea, coffee and hot chocolate

Vegan/Vegetarian options will be available.

Itinerary

Additional info