Eddy Reef is one of the four outer reefs visited by Mission Beach Dive, lying 60-90 minutes from Clump Point within a Marine National Park (Green) Zone. The operator explains that the reef takes its name from the eddy currents that circulate nutrient-rich water around it, creating a remarkably productive environment with dense coral cover and abundant fish, and rates it intermediate, with depths of 10-25 m, visibility of 15-25 m and mild to moderate current. Structurally it offers dramatic sloping walls, terraced drop-offs, overhangs and swim-throughs, so the dive is more varied and deeper than at Beaver or Ellison.

The nutrient-rich water brings bigger fish: Napoleon (humphead) wrasse, schools of barracuda, eagle rays, whitetip reef sharks, giant trevally and sea turtles are listed, and the operator says pelagic encounters are more frequent here than on typical inner-reef sites. The terraces are a pleasant feature, as each step of the reef provides a different depth band to explore, and the overhangs and swim-throughs give shelter to groupers and sweetlips. Open Water divers comfortable at mid-range depths can dive it, and snorkelling is possible on the shallower reef edges in calm conditions.

Because current is part of the reef's character, divers should stay with the guide and be prepared for gentle drift diving. Earlier listings described Eddy only as an alternative outer reef for Mission Beach trips; the operator's current description shows it to be one of the more rewarding sites in the area. Coordinates here are approximate.

Groups are limited to twelve guests.

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 Eddy Reef takes about 80 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.

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. Eddy Reef carries mild to moderate current, so it is best near slack water or on neap tides and in light to moderate winds.

Descend onto the upper terraces at 10-12 m, then drop down the sloping wall to 18-22 m, working along it with the current. Explore the overhangs and swim-throughs on the way back up the terraces, and finish with a safety stop on the reef top. Typical dive time is 45-55 minutes.

Mission Beach Dive – small-group day trips (max 12) from Clump Point Marina, not daily; Reef Goddess day tours; Eddy Reef on selected trips