Meet the site
Pixie Gardens is a macro photographer's site south-west of Ribbon Reef No. 10, close to Pixie Pinnacle. Dive the World describes large and small bommies at 15 m or shallower, with gullies and canyons connecting the sandy floor to the main reef and numerous nooks and crannies. The site's reputation rests on leafy scorpionfish: up to three of these 10 cm fish, masters of camouflage that sway like dead leaves, have been found on the smaller bommie.
The layout is easy to navigate. The bommies rise from a sandy floor and are separated by gullies that lead back toward the main reef, so a diver can move from outcrop to outcrop without losing the way. Each bommie is covered in hard and soft corals and cut with overhangs that hide small animals. Because the depth rarely exceeds 15–20 m, bottom times are long, which suits slow, careful searching.
Beyond the leafy scorpionfish, expect the typical Pixie cast of anthias, damselfish, anemonefish, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs and pipefish, with lionfish, stonefish and scorpionfish in the crevices. Fusiliers and trevally cross over the top, and whitetip reef sharks rest on the sand.
It is an ideal site for photographers with macro lenses and for newer divers who want a shallow, sheltered dive with plenty to find. Guides on the Ribbons often mark interesting subjects, so ask the crew where the resident leafy scorpionfish are sitting before you descend, and avoid touching the bommies while looking. Stonefish and scorpionfish share the same crevices, so look carefully before settling a hand or fin anywhere.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Pixie Gardens 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 Pixie Gardens 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 Pixie Gardens 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
Leafy scorpionfish, lionfish, stonefish, scorpionfish, anthias, damselfish, anemonefish, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, pipefish, fusiliers, trevally, whitetip reef sharks
Location
A cluster of large and small bommies with gullies and canyons south-west of Ribbon Reef No. 10, near Pixie Pinnacle.
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
dive-the-world.commorrisnautical.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.