Meet the site
Bashful Bommie is Calypso Reef Cruises' usual first dive at Opal Reef and one of the best-known sites out of Port Douglas. Diveplanit's detailed profile records a top at 5 m, median depth of 15 m and bottom at 18 m, with the bommie rising around 18 m from sand. What makes it special is that it is double-sided: one face looks onto the sheltered southern reef edge, the other onto a deeper ocean channel facing blue water. On the channel side the walls are fringed with sea fans at the base and riddled with holes and crevices. This is where the larger fish are: Spanish mackerel and red bass hunt in the deeper water, according to Visit Port Douglas Daintree, and Diveplanit lists barramundi cod, giant sweetlips and pale blue-spotted cod among the residents. Schools of yellowtail fusiliers stream past in the current. The sheltered side is a coral garden with giant clams and anemonefish, and Scuba IQ highlights the combination of giant clams, incredible corals, a wall and a swim-through. The humphead Maori wrasse that frequents the site is famously friendly – Diveplanit describes it as the friendliest fish – and often follows divers around the bommie. Butterflyfish are abundant, including dot-and-dash, saddled and vagabond species, and sub-adult sailfin snapper are a notable sighting. The dive profile is easy to manage: start deep on the channel side, then work shallower on the sheltered side, finishing on the shallow reef top. The contrast between the two environments means small reef fish and larger pelagic visitors can be seen on the same dive. Visibility is usually 15–30 m. The site suits all levels, and snorkellers can enjoy the garden side. It is a great introduction to Opal Reef and a favourite of photographers for the Maori wrasse encounters.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Bashful Bommie (Opal Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Port Douglas. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Bashful Bommie (Opal Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Bashful Bommie (Opal Reef) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Humphead Maori wrasse, barramundi cod, giant sweetlips, pale blue-spotted cod, Spanish mackerel, red bass, yellowtail fusiliers, sailfin snapper, butterflyfish (dot-and-dash, saddled, vagabond), giant clams, anemonefish, sea fans
Location
A double-sided bommie on South Opal Reef with a sheltered reef edge on one side and a deep ocean channel on the other.
Facilities nearby
Departs Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas – car parking, toilets, cafes and restaurants at the marina; dive shops in town for gear hire and air
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
diveplanit.comdiveplanit.comvisitportdouglasdaintree.comscubaiq.com.auwavelength.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.