Meet the site
Maori Wrasse Bommie is a large bommie standing off the reef wall, a little wider and further north than Coral Gardens and south of Spiders Ledge. Its many nooks and crannies make it a favourite resting place for turtles, which the Oceanity guide says are common here. The resort lists trumpetfish, Malabar grouper, Moorish idols and whitetip reef sharks, and marine life writers add barramundi cod, moray eels, clown triggerfish, small sharks and nudibranchs. Maori wrasse, the site's namesake, may also be seen cruising around the bommie. Because it is a single structure, the dive is easy to navigate: circle the bommie at a couple of depths, looking into the holes and under the ledges. Its moderate depth makes it suitable for all certified divers, and it is sheltered in the prevailing south-easterly winds. Photographers will find turtles and grouper good subjects, and the bommie's shape allows interesting silhouettes against the surface. It pairs well with Coral Gardens or Spiders Ledge for a varied morning. Divers should give resting turtles plenty of room; they rely on these nooks to rest between feeding and breathing trips to the surface, and disturbing them forces them to use energy they need. Like the other western bommies, it is also a place where passing mantas sometimes stop, so it is worth glancing up into the blue periodically during the dive. The bommie's isolation from the main reef also means fish congregate densely around it, which gives photographers plenty of subjects at close range without needing to cover much distance.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Maori Wrasse Bommie (Lady Elliot Island) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Lady Elliot Island. 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.
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 Maori Wrasse Bommie (Lady Elliot Island) 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 Maori Wrasse Bommie (Lady Elliot Island) 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
Turtles, trumpetfish, Malabar grouper, Moorish idols, whitetip reef sharks, barramundi cod, moray eels, clown triggerfish, Maori wrasse, nudibranchs
Location
A bommie sitting away from the wall, a little wider and further north than Coral Gardens (south of Spiders Ledge); turtles in its nooks, trumpetfish, Malabar grouper and whitetip reef sharks.
Facilities nearby
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort: PADI dive shop (gear hire, courses, fills), rinse area, lockers; resort restaurant, bar and accommodation. Island access by resort flights only.
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
ladyelliot.com.auoceanity.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
