Best Superyacht Anchorages North of Port Douglas-Agincourt Reef
Agincourt Reef, located just north off the coast of Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef, is a beautiful and diverse marine ecosystem that attracts visitors from all over the world on charter yachts. This reef has a rich history and is of great environmental importance due to its unique topography and the diversity of marine life that inhabits it at various times of the year.
Superyachts depart from the Crystalbrook superyacht marina in Port Douglas and head approximately 50 – 100km towards the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs to explore some of the best dive and snorkel spots on the planet.
Agincourt Reef is at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognized as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth, and supports spectacular marine life.

How did it get its name – Agincourt Reef?
The reef was named after the HMS Agincourt, a British warship that surveyed the area in the mid-1800s.
The traditional owners of the area are the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, who have lived in the area for over 50,000 years and have a deep cultural connection to the Great Barrier Reef.
Environmental importance
- Agincourt Reef is part of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system.
- The reef’s topography, with its deep canyons, coral gardens, and vibrant fish life, creates a unique and diverse ecosystem.
- The reef provides habitat for over 1,500 species of fish, 360 species of hard coral, and numerous other marine creatures, including turtles, sharks, and rays.
- The reef is also an important breeding ground for many marine species, including humpback whales and the rare and exotic dwarf minke whale.
Topography of Agincourt Reef
- The reef consists of numerous coral gardens, deep canyons, and walls that drop to depths of over 60 meters.
- The coral gardens are home to a diverse range of hard and soft corals, including brain corals, staghorn corals, and fan corals.
- The deep canyons provide shelter for many species of fish and are a popular spot for divers to explore.
Significance of Agincourt Reef Today
- Agincourt Reef is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to the Great Barrier Reef due to its size, diversity, and beauty.
- The reef is accessible by the daily dive and snorkel boat tours from Port Douglas, and visitors can take a helicopter out to this reef and ride around in a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the corals and stay dry.
- Visitors to the reef can expect to see a wide range of marine life, including colourful fish, turtles, rays, and even sharks (not usually huge one’s, just shy black or white tips).
- The reef is also an important site for scientific research, with ongoing studies focusing on coral bleaching, fish populations, and climate change.


Why superyachts should visit Agincourt Reef
- Agincourt Reef offers a unique and diverse marine ecosystem that is unlike any other in the world.
- Visitors can explore the reef by snorkelling, scuba diving, enjoying a helicopter flight, allowing them to get up close and personal with the marine life.
- There are around 21 dive sites on Agincourt Reef which are world re-known.
- Superyachts can tuck in behind the reefs and find protection from weather.
- The marine life activity is the heartbeat of the Great Barrier Reef.
Expect to See:
- Giant Potato Cod
- Moray eels
- Napolean Wrasse
- Coral Trout
- Giant clams
- Nudibranch
- Sea turtles
- Hammerhead sharks
- Humpback whales
- Dwarf Minke whales
- Grey reef sharks
- Parrot fish
- Barracuda
- Christmas worms
- Manta ray
- Turtles
- Grey reef whalers
In conclusion, Agincourt Reef is a beautiful and diverse marine ecosystem that is of great environmental importance and is well worth a visit for luxury yacht charter guests who are interested in exploring and learning about the wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. With its unique topography, vibrant coral gardens, and diverse marine life, superyacht charter guests can expect to have an unforgettable experience exploring this amazing reef.
Contact the YOTSPACE superyacht crew about your perfect luxury charter yacht on the Great Barrier Reef. Please note, additional fees may apply for scuba diving.
Explore more of the best superyacht anchorages off Port Douglas.
Images Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland
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