Meet the site
Split Bommie is at the very southern end of Hastings Reef. Passions of Paradise describes it as multiple split bommies, with a swim-through at 12 m, and notes that it is used only in light winds because swell wraps around the end of the reef. That exposure is also what makes it interesting: at the southern tip a current line often forms, bringing in small reef sharks and pelagic fish that patrol the edge of the flow. The bommies themselves are split by cracks and clefts, some wide enough to swim through, and the main swim-through at 12 m is the centrepiece of the dive. The coral is robust and healthy, shaped by moderate water movement, with plate and boulder corals and soft corals in the shelter of the clefts. Fish include the usual reef species on the bommies, parrotfish, wrasse, fusiliers, damsels and coral trout, and schools of trevally or mackerel in the current line. Turtles are common on Hastings. Because of the current and occasional surge, this is a better dive for divers with some experience; newly certified divers can do it with a guide in calm conditions. Divers Den also describes a Split Bommie at Norman Reef, which is a different site. On a calm day it is one of the more exciting moorings on Hastings. Visibility at the tip of the reef is often better than inside, commonly 15-25 m, because of the clean water carried in by the current. The site is a good contrast to the sheltered bommies at Stepping Stones, and the two are often dived on the same day, Split Bommie first while divers are fresh and the conditions are at their calmest.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Split Bommie (Hastings Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Cairns. 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.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Split Bommie (Hastings Reef) 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 Split Bommie (Hastings 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
Small reef sharks, trevally, mackerel, fusiliers, parrotfish, wrasse, damselfish, coral trout, turtles, plate and boulder corals
Location
Mooring at the very southern end of Hastings Reef, about 50 km north-east of Cairns, over several split bommies with a swim-through at 12 m.
Facilities nearby
Departs Reef Fleet Terminal / Marlin Marina, Cairns: toilets, cafes, paid parking; dive gear, tanks and lunch supplied on board
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
passions.com.aucairnsdiveadventures.com.audiversden.com.aureeftrip.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.