Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
The reef at Shag Rock is divided into two sides, both of which provide excellent dive sites. These sides are connected by a spectacular swim through cave, which adds an exciting challenge for divers of all levels. Divers have the option to explore each side separately or combine them for a more comprehensive diving experience.
While visibility at Shag Rock may not always be as high as our other sites, averaging at around 11m, it compensates with little to no current, making it ideal for a relaxing dive. Among the diverse marine life found here, you can encounter wobbegong and bamboo sharks, eagle and bull rays, turtles, octopus, eels, nudibranchs, stonefish, sea urchins, and a wide variety of hard and soft corals. Additionally, the waters around Shag Rock attract leopard sharks, manta rays, and grey nurse sharks during their respective seasons, providing divers with the opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Whether you're a beginner seeking a peaceful dive or an experienced diver looking for excitement, Shag Rock in Australia offers a memorable underwater experience. So, don't miss the chance to explore this captivating dive site during your visit to Queensland.
Diving Conditions Score for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Depth
12m
Visibility
11m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Wave Height
0.82m
Wind Speed
7.6 m/s
Water Temp
21°C
Visibility
48.82km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
7.25s
Air Temperature
19.5°C
Precipitation
0 mm
Dive Score Chart for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Best time to dive: 17:00 with score 6.744866666666666/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.98m, Wind 14.7 m/s.Best night dive time: 23:00 with score 7.122739726027397/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Shag Rock - Coral Gardens are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 7.1/10
Waves: 0.8m (7.3s), Wind: 7.6 m/s
Score: 6.7/10
Waves: 0.98m (6.5s), Wind: 14.7 m/s
Score: 6.7/10
Waves: 0.98m, Wind: 14.7 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Shag Rock - Coral GardensAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Summer
Summer offers the warmest water temperatures and generally favorable conditions for all levels of divers.
Best Months for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Ideal Conditions for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Water Temp
22.7°C / 72.9°F
June
Visibility
20.1m / 65.9ft
October
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Shag Rock - Coral Gardens
Shag Rock - Coral Gardens follows southern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (22.7°C) and December the coldest (18.7°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 19, 2026