Steve’s Bommie Dive Site – Iconic Ribbon Reef Dive

“Steve’s Bommie is the site that experienced divers come back to again and again — a coral pinnacle in the Ribbon Reefs that delivers every single dive.”

Steve’s Bommie – One of the Ribbon Reefs’ Great Dive Pinnacles

Why Dive Steve’s Bommie?

Dramatic coral pinnacle rising from deep water, perfect for multi-level dives
Large schools of trevally, fusiliers and snapper swirling around the bommie
Regular sightings of reef sharks, including grey reef and whitetip sharks
Green and hawksbill turtles frequently glide past divers
Excellent macro life, including nudibranchs, pipefish and scorpionfish
Colourful soft corals, sea fans and anemones covering the structure
A favourite site for underwater photographers thanks to light, life and colour

Dive Conditions and Experience Levels

Steve’s Bommie offers conditions that suit a wide range of divers:

Depth range: approximately 5–30 metres
Visibility: often excellent, especially during calm weather
Currents: generally mild, though can vary with tides
Experience level: suitable for Open Water divers, with deeper exploration ideal for Advanced divers

Its shape allows divers to enjoy shallow reef life or descend deeper to observe larger pelagic species, making it an exciting and flexible dive site.

How to Visit

Steve’s Bommie is best accessed via liveaboard dive trips from Cairns. These multi-day reef expeditions allow divers to experience the bommie at different times of day, when marine life activity and lighting conditions change.

Liveaboards also visit nearby Ribbon Reef dive sites, creating a world-class Great Barrier Reef diving itinerary.

Why Steve’s Bommie Is So Special

More than just a dive site, Steve’s Bommie holds a special place in reef diving history. An underwater memorial plaque honours a local diver named Steve, adding a meaningful human connection to this spectacular natural wonder.

It’s a place where big fish encounters, delicate reef life and reef stories come together, making it a must-dive location for anyone exploring the northern Great Barrier Reef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Steve’s Bommie located?

Steve’s Bommie is located on Ribbon Reef No. 3 in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef, north of Cairns.

Do I need to be an advanced diver to dive Steve’s Bommie?

No. Open Water divers can enjoy the upper sections, while Advanced divers can explore deeper areas of the bommie.

What marine life can I see at Steve’s Bommie?

Divers commonly see reef sharks, turtles, large schools of fish, nudibranchs, pipefish and vibrant coral life.

How do you get to Steve’s Bommie?

Steve’s Bommie is accessed via liveaboard dive trips departing from Cairns or Port Douglas.

Is Steve’s Bommie good for underwater photography?

Yes. Its vertical structure, clear water and abundant marine life make it one of the best photography sites on the Great Barrier Reef.

Dive Steve’s Bommie with Great Barrier Reef Experts

If you’re planning a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard dive adventure, Steve’s Bommie is a highlight you won’t want to miss. With spectacular marine life, beautiful coral and a powerful reef story, it offers one of the most rewarding dive experiences on the reef.

Explore liveaboard dive trips and start planning your Steve’s Bommie adventure today.