The action takes place along a remote area of Australian coast where the adjacent waters are filled with ancient coral reefs and a rain forest covers the area inland. The region, though far from population centers, is being developed for tourism. The coastal ocean is treacherous, and swimmers among the reefs need to be aware of the change in tides because they risk being dashed on rocks or reefs if they are in the water at the wrong time. The setting of Reef of Death abounds in more singular hazards such as a giant fish that will eat people alive and a mysterious freighter that may be illegally mining minerals in the reefs.