Meet the site
Lighthouse Bommie is a small, totem-pole-like coral pinnacle rising from about 24–30 m to within 5 m of the surface near the southern end of Ribbon Reef No. 10. It is one of the most consistently productive sites on the Ribbons and the headquarters of the dwarf minke whale season. Nigel Marsh's reports for Scuba Diver and Divernet call it the place where up to a dozen minkes can be encountered in June, with fewer in July.
The pinnacle itself is modest in size, and Mike Ball's guides note coral growth is mostly limited to the top, with a larger mound nearby at around 15 m. What makes it special is the density of life. Schools of big-eye trevally, chevron barracuda, yellow-lined snapper, fusiliers and surgeonfish swirl around the column, grey reef sharks and Malabar groupers patrol, and green and hawksbill turtles use a cleaning station on the bommie, with more visiting at night. At least three olive sea snakes are resident. For macro, look for mantis shrimp, octopus, flame file shells, pipefish, scorpionfish, longnose hawkfish and several anemonefish species. In summer, manta rays use the adjacent mound as a cleaning station, and glassfish swarms draw in predators; in winter eagle rays pass south of the mound.
The minke encounters are run under a GBRMPA code of practice. Swimmers hold onto a surface line streamed from the stern; whales approach on their own terms, and divers who meet a whale underwater simply carry on. Most close encounters happen while snorkelling. Mike Ball has run minke expeditions since 1996 and reports encounter rates above 90 per cent.
The dive suits all levels, though its open-water position means you need to hold your depth without a wall for reference. It is often dived twice on a trip because there is too much to see in one go.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Lighthouse Bommie is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Lighthouse Bommie 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 Lighthouse Bommie 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
Dwarf minke whales (Jun–Jul), green and hawksbill turtles, olive sea snakes, big-eye trevally, chevron barracuda, yellow-lined snapper, grey reef sharks, Malabar grouper, manta rays (summer), eagle rays (winter), glassfish, mantis shrimp, octopus, flame file shells, pipefish, scorpionfish, longnose hawkfish, anemonefish, nudibranchs
Location
An isolated pinnacle in deep water near the southern end of Ribbon Reef No. 10, on the outer Great Barrier Reef north of Cooktown.
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.comspiritoffreedom.com.aunigelmarshphotography.comdivernet.commorrisnautical.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.