Breaking Patches is a shallow patch of reef just west of Michaelmas Cay. It is located about 42km Northeast of Cairns.

The World Underwater

This beautiful coral garden sits in less than 14m of water. It is therefore a great location for duck diving. The shallow nature of the Breaking Patches means it is the perfect habitat for soft corals. You will see plenty of these fleshy corals swaying with the motion of the ocean as you snorkel.  Be on the lookout for spaghetti coral, elephant ear coral and leather mushroom corals.

There are plenty of hard corals at Breaking Patches as well. One of the most common corals you will see is the giant boulder coral. These corals are a favourite of some of them spot Christmas tree worms. A favourite amongst underwater photographers, these little invertebrates have Christmas tree-shaped arms that they use to catch food passing by in the water column.

There are also plenty of sandy patches along the bottom, which are a great place to look for sleeping reef sharks and little lagoon rays. Read on to see what else you’re likely to see at Breaking Patches reef:

Common species seen at Breaking Patches

• • Giant Clams
  • Butterflyfish
  • Parrotfish
  • Blue-spot lagoon ray
  • White-tip reef sharks
  • Sea cucumbers
  • Hydroids
  • Angelfish
  • Spaghetti coral
  • Elephant ear coral
  • Boulder coral
  • Christmas tree worms

If you would like to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef: click here