Meet the site
Flare Point lies between Ribbon Reefs No. 2 and 3 and is often the last dive of a Ribbon Reef trip, a relaxed swim through coral gardens before the boat turns south for Cairns. Spirit of Freedom describes a sloping reef wall with deeper outlying bommies, and Mike Ball's photographers' guide describes coral gardens with massive bright blue and yellow Acropora colonies, Porites boulders, new plate corals, a small central pinnacle and sandy patches.
The gardens are the draw. On calm days light rays stream through the shallows, and the Acropora supports swarms of blue-green chromis and sergeant majors. Diagonal-lined sweetlips hang under the plates, trumpetfish hunt among the branches, and juvenile rockmover wrasse and palette surgeonfish tuck into the coral. Spotted lagoon rays and whitetip reef sharks rest on the sand patches, and Queensland groupers occupy the larger crevices.
Spirit of Freedom adds cuttlefish, turtles, moray eels, mantis shrimp, unicornfish and eagle rays to the list. The outlying bommies attract more fish and are worth a visit at the start of the dive before returning to the shallows.
It is an easy, unhurried dive for all levels and excellent for snorkellers. For photographers it is a good place to capture classic Great Barrier Reef coral scenes. Mike Ball also lists Flare Point on its Coral Sea Odyssey and 7-night Coral Sea expeditions, so it features on longer trips as well as Ribbon Reef itineraries. Its gentle slope and sheltered position mean it is rarely cancelled for weather, making it a dependable end to an expedition.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Flare Point 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 Flare Point 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 Flare Point 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, blue-green chromis, sergeant majors, diagonal-lined sweetlips, trumpetfish, juvenile rockmover wrasse, juvenile palette surgeonfish, spotted lagoon rays, whitetip reef sharks, Queensland grouper, cuttlefish, turtles, moray eels, mantis shrimp, unicornfish, eagle rays
Location
Coral gardens on a sloping reef wall with a small central pinnacle and deeper outlying bommies between Ribbon Reefs No. 2 and 3.
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.comspiritoffreedom.com.aumikeball.commikeball.commikeball.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.