Meet the site
Pixie Pinnacle is the Ribbon Reefs' signature pinnacle dive and one of the densest concentrations of life on the whole Great Barrier Reef. The bommie is small, only about 15 m across, and rises from 30 m to just below the surface between Ribbon Reefs No. 9 and 10. The classic dive is a slow spiral from base to top, and it is often done twice on a trip because there is too much to see in one go.
The top is covered in dense Acropora and swarmed by purple and orange anthias and sergeant majors. Between 5 and 8 m an overhang shelters large pink gorgonian fans and soft corals. Down the sides, numerous dark nooks hold lionfish, leafy scorpionfish, stonefish, pipefish, mantis shrimp, porcelain crabs and feather stars with commensal shrimps and squat lobsters. A torch reveals the flame file shell, the so-called disco clam, whose mantle edge flashes with light. Several anemonefish species live on the pinnacle, including Great Barrier Reef, pink, red-and-black and spinecheek.
Out in the blue, big-eye and blue-spotted trevally, chevron barracuda, unicornfish, fusiliers and batfish circle, and whitetip reef sharks and rays pass by. Flowery cod lurk deeper and female Maori wrasse visit. Black coral, lace coral and gorgonians grow on the lower flanks.
Mike Ball's photographers' guide recommends wide-angle in the middle of the day and macro in the morning or late afternoon, and says split shots are possible on most low tides. It suits intermediate divers comfortable with open-water ascents and a possible current.
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 Pinnacle 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.
- 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 Pixie Pinnacle 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 Pinnacle 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
Purple and orange anthias, sergeant majors, big-eye and blue-spotted trevally, chevron barracuda, fusiliers, unicornfish, batfish, whitetip reef sharks, flowery cod, Maori wrasse, leafy scorpionfish, lionfish, stonefish, pipefish, flame file shell, mantis shrimp, porcelain crabs, nudibranchs, anemonefish (four species), gorgonian fans, black coral
Location
A small isolated pinnacle about 15 m across rising from 30 m to just below the surface between Ribbon Reefs No. 9 and 10.
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.audive-the-world.commikeball.commikeball.commorrisnautical.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.