Beaver Reef is the main outer-reef destination from Mission Beach and the primary site for Mission Beach Dive. It lies about 40 km offshore, roughly 90 minutes by boat from Clump Point, in a Marine National Park (Green) Zone where fishing and collecting are prohibited, and its fish populations and coral condition reflect that protection. Mission Beach Dive describes a gently sloping coral wall descending from 5 m to 18 m, with staghorn, table and brain corals in the shallows and sea fans and sponge gardens deeper, and visibility of 15-30 m in the best conditions, optimal from May to November.

Great Barrier Reef Tours divides the reef into two main areas: Beaver Cay on the northern side, with lush coral gardens, and Shark Alley on the southern side, known for sloping coral walls, pelagic fish and whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, with coral gardens at 12-22 m. Green turtles are frequent residents, and giant moray eels, clownfish and giant clams are common. Visitors on snorkel trips report blue and orange sea stars, anemonefish, angelfish and chromis over bommies that rise to within metres of the surface.

The site suits all levels: beginners and Discover Scuba divers can stay in the shallow gardens, while experienced divers head to Shark Alley. Because Mission Beach is closer to the outer reef than Cairns, Beaver gives outer-reef diving with less travel and far fewer boats; it is common to have the reef to yourself. Trips run in small groups and not every day.

Boat access only. Mission Beach trips leave from the Clump Point jetty and marina at the northern end of Mission Beach, about 25 km east of the Bruce Highway at El Arish or Tully and roughly 1 hour 45 minutes' drive south of Cairns; there is free parking at Clump Point and most operators collect guests from Mission Beach accommodation. Check-in is usually around 8:00 am.

The run out to Beaver Reef takes about 90 minutes, passing Dunk Island and the Family Islands, and is noticeably quicker than reaching the outer reef from Cairns. Trips do not run every day, so book ahead. Beaver is Mission Beach Dive's primary destination, often combined with Taylor Reef as a two-site day.

The Mission Beach reefs are exposed to the south-east trade winds, which blow 15-25 knots for much of April-September and can cancel trips; the calmest months are usually September-December. Box jellyfish and Irukandji are present from about October-November to May, most dangerously close to the coast, so wear a full stinger suit. The cyclone season runs November-April, and Mission Beach has been hit hard by cyclones Larry (2006) and Yasi (2011).

Heavy wet-season rain and river flood plumes from the Tully and Johnstone rivers reduce visibility on the inner reefs. Beaver's northern coral gardens are sheltered in south-easterlies, while Shark Alley on the southern side is dived in lighter winds. Visibility is best May-November.

On the northern side, descend to the coral gardens at 5-12 m and follow the gently sloping wall down to 15-18 m before returning shallower. At Shark Alley, follow the sloping coral wall at 12-20 m looking for whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, turning at a third of your gas. Safety stop on the reef top.

Mission Beach Dive – small-group day trips (max 12) from Clump Point Marina, not daily; Reef Goddess day tours; Beaver is the primary site