Meet the site
Sno Bommie is Scuba IQ's name for a lazy drift dive along the inner slope of North Opal Reef, a site they describe as popular for private charters, with sharks and plenty of action. The inner slope of North Opal faces the lagoon side of the crescent and is sheltered from the prevailing south-easterly swell, which makes it a comfortable place to drift. When the tide runs along the slope it carries divers past a sequence of coral heads, gullies and sand patches, with the bommie itself acting as a focal point where fish congregate. Reef sharks – whitetips and grey reef sharks – cruise along the slope, and schooling fish such as fusiliers, trevally and snapper gather around the bommie in the flow. The drift format means minimal finning. Divers settle into a comfortable depth, usually 12–15 m, and let the current carry them along, adjusting position with small movements. The guide carries a surface marker buoy, and the tender tracks the group for pick-up. It suits divers comfortable with drift procedures; on slack water the site can be dived as a gentle out-and-back instead. Scuba IQ does not publish a depth range; most groups work between about 5 and 18 m. Visibility on Opal typically ranges from 15 to 30 m, and North Opal is known for clear water. Sno Bommie is a good choice for divers who want a relaxed drift with a good chance of sharks. It is frequently requested by private charter groups, who can time the dive to the tide. Opal is a low-impact reef visited only by medium-sized boats, so even on busy days it rarely feels crowded.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sno Bommie (Opal Reef) is recorded as Drift in Port Douglas. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Sno Bommie (Opal Reef) 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 Sno Bommie (Opal Reef) 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
Whitetip and grey reef sharks, fusiliers, trevally, snapper, turtles, hard corals, soft corals
Location
A lazy drift along the inner slope of North Opal Reef, past a bommie, popular with private charters.
Facilities nearby
Departs Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Wharf Street, Port Douglas – car parking, toilets, cafes and restaurants at the marina; dive shops in town for gear hire and air
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
scubaiq.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.