The gaol reef is very shallow and ranges between 6 and 12 metres.

A huge variety of fish, invertabrates and crustaceans can be found at this site, which is also well known for the numerous moray eels and octopus occupying every crevice on the reef.

Schools of bait fish and squid congregate over the reef waiting to be fed upon by passing pelagic species, and large school of rays are a common site.