Dive Site: Harry's Bommie

About Harry's Bommie

Harry's Bommie is a captivating garden reef nestled within Agincourt Reef #4, a prime location on the outer edge of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This site is distinguished by its unique topography, featuring a reef split into two sections with a natural crevice between them. This channel creates a dynamic environment where currents attract a lively array of marine species, making it a focal point for underwater activity. The bommie itself is rich in diverse coral species, providing a stunning backdrop for both divers and snorkelers. Its shallow maximum depth and excellent visibility make it particularly accessible. The site's topography contributes to a bustling ecosystem, drawing in a variety of pelagic and reef-dwelling creatures. Divers can expect frequent encounters with large marine life, especially in the current-swept crevice. The site's protected yet dynamic nature supports healthy coral growth and a high density of fish, offering a visually rewarding experience. Day trips to Agincourt Reef typically depart from Port Douglas, ensuring relatively quick access to this and other pristine outer reef locations. As a first-time dive site, Harry's Bommie offers an ideal introduction to the Great Barrier Reef's wonders. Its moderate depth and consistent visibility provide a comfortable and engaging experience for beginners, while the rich biodiversity ensures plenty to observe for more experienced divers.

Dive site facts: Harry's Bommie

Depth

Up to 16 m

Current

Mild to moderate (in crevice)

Visibility

Average 15 m

Entry

Day boat

Level

Novice to Intermediate

Dive type

Reef, big animals, coral garden, pinnacle

Region / port

Agincourt Reef, Great Barrier Reef

Coordinates

24.1130° S, 152.7160° E

Conditions & Currents

Harry's Bommie is known for currents that flow through the crevice splitting the reef, attracting a significant amount of marine life. While the general currents on the outer reef around Port Douglas are often described as mild, this specific feature means divers should be prepared for varying conditions, especially when exploring the channel. Visibility is typically excellent, averaging 15 meters, but strong currents can occasionally impact this. Day boats provide access, and divers should be mindful of boat traffic, particularly during entry and exit procedures. The currents are part of what makes the site so vibrant, providing a dynamic environment where pelagic species are often seen feeding or cruising. This dynamic can necessitate careful buoyancy control and gas planning, though the maximum depth of 16 meters keeps it within recreational limits.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta Ray

occasional

Juvenile Grey Whaler Shark

occasional

Mackerel

common

Colourful Tropical Fish

common

Leaf Scorpionfish

occasional

Ribbon Eel

occasional

Parrotfish

common

Unicorn Fish

common

Cod

common

Coral Trout

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Harry's Bommie is typically made from a day boat, often utilizing a giant stride or back roll, depending on the vessel. Divers descend directly onto the top of the bommie, which sits at a maximum depth of 16 meters. The dive usually proceeds by exploring the reef's unique split topography, navigating through the crevice where currents often attract a concentration of marine life. A circular or figure-eight pattern can be adopted to fully appreciate the diverse coral formations and search for resident and transient pelagic species like manta rays and juvenile grey whaler sharks. The dive will gradually ascend to shallower parts of the bommie, allowing for extended bottom time and closer examination of macro life. The safety stop is typically conducted over the shallower sections of the reef, before ascending to the surface near the moored dive vessel. Visibility averages 15 meters, assisting navigation.

Underwater photography

Harry's Bommie presents excellent photographic opportunities, especially given its average visibility of 15 meters and diverse marine life. For wide-angle photography, a fisheye or rectilinear wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the split reef structure and the schools of fish, particularly when pelagics like manta rays are present. External strobes are recommended to bring out the vibrant colors of the corals and fish in the clear outer reef water. For macro subjects such as leaf scorpionfish or ribbon eels, a dedicated macro lens will be beneficial. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid damaging the diverse coral species. Always approach marine life calmly to capture natural behavior without disturbance, especially with more sensitive subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Barracuda Bommie

  Located in Agincourt Reef, known for schools of barracuda and good visibility.

• Castle Rock

  A patch reef in Agincourt Reef 1, featuring an exposed wall and large marine life.

• The Gardens

  Found in Agincourt Reef, offering diverse fish, soft/hard corals, and excellent visibility.

• Pellowe Reef

  An outer Great Barrier Reef site visited by Silverswift, offering varied marine life.

• Flynn Reef

  One of the most popular outer reefs, with sites like Coral Gardens and Tracy's Bommie.

• Milln Reef

  Offers exciting dive sites like Whale Bommie and Petaj Mooring, with resident turtles and sharks.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Harry's Bommie, located on Agincourt Reef #4, is predominantly via day boat tours departing from Port Douglas. The journey to the outer reef takes approximately 90 minutes. Port Douglas is served by Cairns International Airport (CNS), which is about 70 kilometers south and provides connections to major Australian cities and some international destinations. Typical trips are single-day excursions, combining multiple dives at Agincourt Reef. Divers over four years old are required to pay an Environmental Management Charge (EMC), often referred to as a 'reef tax,' which is usually included in the tour price. These tours frequently combine diving with snorkeling, making them suitable for mixed groups.

Safety & environment

Diving at Harry's Bommie, like other Great Barrier Reef sites, necessitates adherence to standard safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Cairns, necessitating prompt evacuation in the event of a dive emergency. Divers are strongly advised to have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, particularly within the reef's central crevice, requiring good buoyancy control and awareness. Divers should always listen to their dive brief and follow their guide. Coral is sharp, so avoid contact, and seek immediate first aid for any cuts. Sun protection is essential on the surface. Remember the 24-hour no-fly period after diving and ensure your certification card and logbook are current.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Harry's Bommie FAQ

Liveaboards diving Harry's Bommie

These liveaboards may visit Harry's Bommie on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$405/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day