Meet the site
The Snake Pit is a small, isolated patch reef in the lagoon between Lizard Island and Ribbon Reef No. 10, and it is famous for one thing: olive sea snakes. Dozens of the reptiles live on the reef, and they are notoriously curious, swimming up to inspect divers and their reflections in masks and camera ports. Spirit of Freedom describes it as an isolated reef between Lizard Island and #10 Ribbon Reef, with depths of 10–30 m.
Mike Ball's photographers' guide is frank that the site is not known for coral, which was badly affected by the 2014–15 cyclones. The appeal is animals. Resident green turtles use shallow sections of the reef for cleaning, sea snakes are scattered throughout, and the south-east section attracts large schools of fusiliers, chevron barracuda and surgeonfish. It is one of the only places on the Ribbon Reefs where schooling longfin bannerfish are found. In winter large schools of eagle rays pass through, and in summer dense swarms of glassfish draw in predators.
Sharks are frequent: leopard, grey and whitetip reef sharks are regular, and there are rare sightings of guitar sharks, bull sharks and great hammerheads. For macro, look for glass shrimp, crinoid shrimp, squat lobsters and anemonefish. Lizard Island Resort lists olive sea snakes, manta rays, reef sharks, eagle rays and seasonal whales.
Visibility is lower than elsewhere on the Ribbons, often 7–15 m, and currents can be strong, so this is a site for experienced divers comfortable in open water with no reef wall to follow. Photographers should expect backscatter. Those who get the conditions come away with some of the most memorable animal encounters of a Ribbon Reef trip.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Snake Pit 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 Snake Pit 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 Snake Pit 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
Olive sea snakes (many), green turtles, eagle rays (winter schools), schooling longfin bannerfish, fusiliers, chevron barracuda, surgeonfish, glassfish (summer), leopard, grey and whitetip reef sharks; rare guitar sharks, bull sharks and great hammerheads; glass shrimp, crinoid shrimp, squat lobsters
Location
An isolated submerged patch reef roughly halfway between the Cod Hole and Lizard Island, inside the line of the Ribbon Reefs.
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.aulizardisland.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.