Ribbon Reefs - Steve's Bommie
Overview
Steve's Bommie on Ribbon Reef No. 3 is widely regarded as one of the finest individual dive sites on the entire Great Barrier Reef. This solitary coral pinnacle rises from a sandy bottom at 30 metres to within 5 metres of the surface, and its relatively compact structure concentrates marine life to an almost overwhelming degree. Located along the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef approximately 200 kilometres north of Cairns, Steve's Bommie is the jewel in the crown of the Ribbon Reefs. The bommie's vertical structure acts as a current magnet, drawing nutrient-rich water and the marine life that follows it. Every centimetre of the pinnacle is encrusted with vibrant soft corals in purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows, interspersed with gorgonian fans, whip corals, and massive barrel sponges. The visual impact is stunning even by Great Barrier Reef standards, and underwater photographers consistently rank Steve's Bommie among the most photogenic dive sites in the world. Large schools of bigeye trevally swirl around the bommie in shimmering silver columns, while fusiliers and snappers form dense aggregations in the current lee. Barracuda cruise the mid-water, grey reef sharks patrol the deeper water at the base, and whitetip reef sharks rest on sandy patches nearby. Green and hawksbill turtles are regular visitors, often found resting on the bommie's ledges or feeding on the soft coral growth. For macro enthusiasts, Steve's Bommie is paradise. The dense coral coverage provides habitat for an exceptional diversity of nudibranchs, with dozens of species recorded including some rarely seen elsewhere on the reef. Ornate ghost pipefish, robust ghost pipefish, and various species of pipefish hide among the gorgonians and soft corals. Anemonefish of multiple species guard their host anemones, and careful searching in the sea fans may reveal pygmy seahorses, the tiny masters of camouflage that are among the most sought-after finds in macro diving. A memorial plaque at 25 metres commemorates Steve, the local diver for whom the bommie was named, and has become a familiar landmark for the many divers who return to this site repeatedly. The dive profile allows a deep start at the plaque before spiralling up the bommie, spending progressively more time at shallower depths where the coral density and fish life reach their peak. Visibility ranges from 15 to 30 metres, with water temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius. Access is exclusively by liveaboard from Cairns or Port Douglas.
Marine life
Dive profile
DEPTH PROFILE
DEPTH PROGRESSION & WAYPOINTS: Ribbon Reefs - Steve's Bommie
Location
Frequently asked questions
What makes Steve's Bommie different from Cod Hole on the Ribbon Reefs?
While Cod Hole is famous for its giant potato cod encounters, Steve's Bommie is celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of marine life on a single coral pinnacle. The bommie's vertical structure rising from 30 to 5 metres acts as a magnet for pelagic fish, and every surface is encrusted with soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges that harbour exceptional macro life. Many underwater photographers consider Steve's Bommie the best single dive on the entire Great Barrier Reef for its combination of wide-angle and macro opportunities.
How do I access Steve's Bommie on the Ribbon Reefs?
Steve's Bommie on Ribbon Reef No. 3 is accessible only by liveaboard dive vessels operating from Cairns or Port Douglas. The Ribbon Reefs lie approximately 200 kilometres north of Cairns along the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and the journey takes a full day. Most liveaboards spend 2-3 days on the Ribbon Reefs as part of a 3-7 night itinerary that may also include the Cod Hole, Osprey Reef, and other Coral Sea sites.
What is the significance of the memorial plaque at Steve's Bommie?
A memorial plaque affixed to the bommie at 25 metres honours Steve, a local diver whose name the site now bears. The plaque has become a familiar landmark for divers and a poignant reminder of the personal connections between divers and the reef. The bommie itself was named in tribute to Steve's love of this particular pinnacle, and his memorial has become an integral part of the site's identity.
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Data Provenance
This profile is compiled from 3 operator submissions and 142 community logs. Key facts (depth, entry) are verified against official hydrographic charts.