Dive Site: Steve's Bommie

About Steve's Bommie

Steve's Bommie, located on Ribbon Reef No. 3 along the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, is widely regarded as one of the finest individual dive sites in the region. This solitary coral pinnacle ascends from a sandy bottom at 30 meters to within 5 meters of the surface, creating a unique habitat that draws in an overwhelming density of marine life. Its compact structure makes it an exceptional site for both wide-angle and macro photography. The bommie's vertical orientation acts as a natural magnet for nutrient-rich currents, which in turn support a dazzling array of life. Every centimeter of the pinnacle is adorned with vibrant soft corals in purples, pinks, oranges, and yellows, interspersed with intricate gorgonian fans, whip corals, and substantial barrel sponges. This visual spectacle is stunning, even by the high standards of the Great Barrier Reef, making it a favorite among underwater photographers globally. Beneath the surface, you'll encounter large schools of bigeye trevally swirling in shimmering columns, while fusiliers and snappers aggregate in the current's shelter. Barracuda cruise the mid-water, grey reef sharks patrol the deeper base, and whitetip reef sharks often rest on nearby sandy patches. Green and hawksbill turtles are frequent visitors, found either resting on ledges or feeding on the abundant soft coral growth. For macro enthusiasts, Steve's Bommie is a true paradise. The dense coral coverage provides a rich habitat for an exceptional diversity of nudibranchs, including species rarely observed elsewhere. Ornate and robust ghost pipefish, along with various other pipefish, artfully camouflage themselves among the gorgonians and soft corals. Multiple species of anemonefish guard their host anemones, and patient searching in the sea fans may even reveal the tiny, camouflaged pygmy seahorses.

Dive site facts: Steve's Bommie

Depth

5–30 m

Typical dive

50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate, can be strong; use current to your advantage

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

24–29 °C

Entry

Liveaboard tender / giant stride

Level

Open Water Diver, current experience helpful

Dive type

Pinnacle, wide-angle, macro, pelagic

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Ribbon Reefs, Far North Queensland

Coordinates

-15.0833, 145.7833

Conditions & Currents

Dive conditions at Steve's Bommie are generally good, though a slight current is often present. This current is not typically problematic, as divers can position themselves on the leeward side of the bommie to find shelter. In fact, currents often enhance the diving experience by attracting a greater number of pelagic fish and sharks to the site. Visibility is consistently excellent, frequently reaching up to 30 meters. Liveaboard operations often provide a swim line from the stern of the boat to the bommie to aid divers with entry and exit, especially if currents are running. Operators might split divers into groups to minimize impact on this relatively small site. The dive site is suitable for all certification levels, with shallower sections accessible to Open Water divers, while advanced divers can explore the deeper base.

Marine life & sighting chances

Bigeye trevally

common

Fusilier

common

Snapper

common

Barracuda

common

Grey reef shark

common

Whitetip reef shark

common

Green turtle

common

Hawksbill turtle

common

Nudibranch

common

Ornate ghost pipefish

occasional

Robust ghost pipefish

occasional

Pipefish

common

Anemonefish

common

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Steve's Bommie typically begins with a descent to the deeper base of the pinnacle, where a memorial plaque for Steve is located at 25 meters. From this point, you will commence a clockwise circumnavigation of the bommie, gradually ascending with each lap to explore different depth bands and maximize your bottom time. The general progression involves exploring the deep base, then moving up to navigate around the bommie at approximately 15 meters, and finally spending significant time in the shallower sections. The most vibrant coral growth and densest fish aggregations are often found between 5 and 10 meters. Safety stops are conducted in the uppermost 5 meters of water, near the pinnacle's top, before returning to the boat.

Underwater photography

Steve's Bommie is a dream for underwater photographers, offering superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro shots. For wide-angle photography, consider an 8mm-15mm lens to capture the bommie's impressive vertical structure, the swirling schools of fish, and the vibrant soft coral coverage. Position yourself to include the entire pinnacle and surrounding pelagics, using natural light to enhance color saturation, especially during midday dives. For macro photography, the dense coral and sponges are teeming with subjects like nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and pygmy seahorses, making it feel like a treasure hunt. Use a macro lens to focus on these smaller creatures, being mindful of your buoyancy to avoid disturbing delicate corals. When using strobes, be aware of the bright white sandy bottom in some areas, which can lead to overexposure; adjust power accordingly and position strobes away from the lens to minimize backscatter, especially if other divers stir up sand.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Cod Hole

  Famous for encounters with large, charismatic potato cod.

• Osprey Reef - North Horn

  Known for dramatic drop-offs and pelagic action, often included in extended liveaboard itineraries.

• Ribbon Reef No. 9

  Part of the same reef system, offering diverse coral formations and marine life.

• Pixie Pinnacle

  Another prominent bommie in the Ribbon Reefs with rich coral and fish life.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Steve's Bommie is exclusively via liveaboard dive vessels departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. The Ribbon Reefs, where Steve's Bommie is located, are approximately 200 kilometers north of Cairns along the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, requiring a full day's journey to reach. Most liveaboard itineraries dedicate 2-3 days to diving the Ribbon Reefs as part of a longer 3-7 night trip, which may also include other iconic sites like Cod Hole and, for extended expeditions, Osprey Reef in the Coral Sea. Flights to Cairns International Airport (CNS) are the primary entry point for international and domestic travelers looking to embark on these liveaboard adventures. It is advisable to book liveaboard trips well in advance, especially during the peak dry season.

Safety & environment

Diving at Steve's Bommie, while generally safe, requires adherence to standard dive safety protocols and awareness of specific local conditions. All divers should ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance, as emergency evacuation from the remote Ribbon Reefs to the nearest recompression chamber in Townsville or Cairns can be complex and costly. Liveaboard operators typically provide Nautilus transmitters for each diver, allowing for pinpoint surface location in an emergency. Divers should be proficient in buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate coral and stirring up sediment. Given the potential for currents, appropriate experience and fitness are beneficial. Always follow your dive guide's briefing, especially regarding entry and exit procedures and managing bottom time, particularly given the multi-level profile of the bommie.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Steve's Bommie FAQ

Liveaboards diving Steve's Bommie

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

Spoilsport

Australia

28 guests30 m

$408/day

Odyssey Liveaboard

Australia

20 guests24 m

$392/day