Meet the site
The Scattered Bommies are a small group of coral formations on the western side of Lady Elliot Island, lying between the Severance wreck and Lighthouse Bommies at 14-19 m. They form part of the broad sandy area on the west that is the heart of the island's manta activity. The resort lists manta rays, lionfish, Queensland grouper, leopard sharks, shovelnose sharks and various stingrays at the site. The sandy bottom around the bommies is where the sharks and rays rest, while the coral heads attract reef fish and occasional cleaning visits by mantas. Because the site sits between two better-known dives, it is often included as part of a longer route: starting at the Severance and swimming across the Scattered Bommies to Lighthouse Bommies, or vice versa. That combination offers wreck, sand and manta cleaning station habitats in one dive. The Scattered Bommies suit Open Water divers and offer good opportunities for photographers to find leopard sharks, which tend to lie still on the sand and allow a careful approach. They were grouped with Three Pyramids in the earlier database pass and are now listed separately. As at all the western sites, the best visibility is often in winter, which coincides with the manta season. Leopard sharks are most often seen on the western sand in the warmer months, while manta numbers peak in winter, so the mix of animals changes through the year. The site's open sand also makes it a good place to practise buoyancy near the bottom without risk to coral, and the guides use it to spot shovelnose rays half-buried in the sand.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Scattered Bommies (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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Scattered Bommies (Lady Elliot Island) 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 Scattered Bommies (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
Manta rays, lionfish, Queensland grouper, leopard sharks, shovelnose sharks, stingrays, reef fish
Location
A small group of coral formations at 14-19 m between the Severance wreck and Lighthouse Bommies on the western side; mantas, leopard sharks, shovelnose sharks and rays.
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.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
