Meet the site
Kate's Cathedral is one of the lesser-known moorings on the Ribbon Reefs, listed on Mike Ball Dive Expeditions' Cod Hole–Ribbon Reefs itinerary map among the Ribbon Reef No. 10 sites alongside Lighthouse Bommie, Pixie Pinnacle, Vertical Gardens, Goggle Gardens and the Cod Hole. Mike Ball has named and dived these reefs for more than 30 years, and its map is the most complete public list of Ribbon Reef moorings.
Beyond the name and general location, there is no published description of the site in the sources consulted. The name suggests an arch, cavern or overhanging reef structure, a common feature along the lagoon side of the Ribbons, where coral buttresses and bommies form swim-throughs and caverns. If that is the case, divers can expect overhangs lined with soft corals and gorgonians, with glassfish and sweepers in the darker sections, the pattern seen at comparable sites such as Pixie's Caves.
The surrounding reefs share the fauna of Ribbon Reef No. 10: green turtles, whitetip and grey reef sharks, schooling fusiliers and trevally, groupers and coral trout, anemonefish, nudibranchs and, in June and July, dwarf minke whales that range across the whole reef. Water temperatures, visibility and conditions match the neighbouring sites.
Kate's Cathedral is best treated as an occasional alternative mooring that the crew uses when conditions or crowding rule out the better-known sites. Divers keen to log it should ask the cruise director early in the trip, since the crew plans moorings day by day around wind, tide and the whereabouts of other vessels.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Kate's Cathedral 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.
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.
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 Kate's Cathedral 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 Kate's Cathedral 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
Expected Ribbon Reef No. 10 fauna: green turtles, whitetip and grey reef sharks, fusiliers, trevally, groupers, coral trout, anemonefish, nudibranchs; dwarf minke whales Jun–Jul (regional)
Location
A named Mike Ball mooring shown on its Cod Hole–Ribbon Reefs itinerary map in the Ribbon Reef No. 10 group; exact position not published.
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.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.