Meet the site
Table Tops is listed on Mike Ball Dive Expeditions' Cod Hole–Ribbon Reefs itinerary map among the northern Ribbon Reef moorings, next to West End and the Cod Hole. Like several sites on that map, it has no published description in the operator's dive-site guides or the other sources consulted, and it is best regarded as an occasional mooring used when weather, other vessels or whale activity make the headline sites unsuitable.
The name almost certainly refers to table corals, the broad plate-shaped Acropora colonies that dominate shallow, well-flushed reef tops on the outer barrier. On the Ribbon Reefs these tables were badly damaged by Cyclones Ita (2014) and Nathan (2015) but have been regrowing strongly. Mike Ball's guides describe dense new Acropora growth on the shallow ridges of the Cod Hole and at nearby Two Towers, which is the likely character here too: a shallow coral garden suited to long, easy dives and snorkelling.
The fauna of the northern Ribbons applies: blue-green chromis and damselfish over the branching coral, parrotfish, surgeonfish and fusiliers, coral trout and groupers under the plates, whitetip reef sharks on the sand, turtles, and giant clams in the shallows. Dwarf minke whales roam the Ribbon Reef No. 10 area in June and July.
Depths, orientation and exact position are not documented, and it should be expanded once a site description is available from Mike Ball or another operator.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Table Tops is recorded as Reef 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.
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 Table Tops 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 Table Tops 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
Expected northern Ribbon Reef fauna: blue-green chromis, damselfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, fusiliers, coral trout, groupers, whitetip reef sharks, turtles, giant clams
Location
A named Mike Ball mooring shown on its Cod Hole–Ribbon Reefs itinerary map in the Ribbon Reef No. 10 group near the Cod Hole; exact position not published.
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.commikeball.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.