Meet the site
Stepping Stones is Passions of Paradise's signature mooring on Hastings Reef, and the name is a good description: numerous coral bommies step out from the boat in a line, so that divers and snorkellers can hop from one to the next. The operator notes that three or four bommies can be visited in a single dive, that shallow reefs are easily reached, and that the site is suitable for all experience levels and excellent in strong winds. That combination of shelter, variety and an easy layout makes it one of the most reliable sites on the Cairns northern reefs. Each bommie has a slightly different character, with branching and plate corals, soft corals and anemones, so the dive feels varied even though it covers a small area. The fish life is typical of Hastings: schools of fusiliers and damsels, parrotfish, wrasse, butterflyfish and angelfish over the coral, coral trout and cod under ledges, and anemonefish in their hosts. Turtles and small reef sharks are regularly seen on Hastings, and giant clams dot the reef. Because the bommies are close together, the risk of getting lost is low, and snorkellers can follow the same line from the surface. It works well as a first dive for newly certified divers or as a relaxed second dive after a deeper site such as Split Bommie. The mooring's position also keeps the boat stable, which helps anyone prone to seasickness on windy days, and the short distances between bommies make it an ideal site for a relaxed guided snorkel tour alongside the dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stepping Stones (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.
- 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 Stepping Stones (Hastings 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 Stepping Stones (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
Fusiliers, damselfish, parrotfish, wrasse, butterflyfish, angelfish, coral trout, cod, anemonefish, turtles, small reef sharks, giant clams
Location
Passions of Paradise signature mooring on Hastings Reef, about 50 km north-east of Cairns, where numerous coral bommies 'step' out from the boat.
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.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.