Meet the site
Blue Lagoon is a lesser-known coral-garden site on the southern Ribbon Reefs. It is named in the 'additional sites' list of Mike Ball's 7-night Coral Sea exploratory expedition and appears on its Cod Hole–Ribbon Reefs itinerary map among the southern moorings, alongside Steve's Bommie, Flare Point, Fish Market and Circle of Life.
That matches Mike Ball's descriptions of the neighbouring southern Ribbon gardens, Flare Point and Summer Bay, which have bright blue and yellow Acropora, big Porites boulders and resident cuttlefish, and it is likely Blue Lagoon shares the same character. The name suggests a sheltered pocket of the reef with clear blue water over a sand bottom.
If so, expect a shallow, bright, easy dive with long bottom times, well suited to photography and snorkelling. Typical fauna in these gardens includes blue-green chromis and damselfish over the branching corals, sweetlips and coral trout under plate corals, trumpetfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, giant clams, whitetip reef sharks and lagoon rays on the sand, and turtles. In June and July dwarf minke whales range around Ribbon Reef No. 3, which is close by.
Published descriptions of the site itself are scarce, and this record should be treated as provisional until an operator description is available. It suits divers of every level and makes a relaxing alternative to the deeper pinnacles of the southern Ribbons, especially for a late-afternoon dive when the light is warm and the fish are active over the coral.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Blue Lagoon (Ribbon Reefs) is recorded as Reef in Ribbon Reefs & Lizard Island. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
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 Blue Lagoon (Ribbon Reefs) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Blue Lagoon (Ribbon Reefs) 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
Acropora and Porites corals, cuttlefish, blue-green chromis, damselfish, sweetlips, coral trout, trumpetfish, parrotfish, giant clams, whitetip reef sharks, lagoon rays, turtles
Location
A shallow coral-garden site on the southern Ribbon Reefs, listed on Mike Ball's itinerary map near Flare Point and Steve's Bommie.
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
mikeball.commikeball.commikeball.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.