Meet the site
The Pinnacles – Dive Pacific calls them Deep Pinnacle and The Pinnacle – are twin coral pinnacles on Great Detached Reef that rise from around 60 m to within 4 m and 14 m of the surface respectively. Dive Pacific describes them as a highlight of a Spirit of Freedom far-north expedition. Pinnacles rising from deep water on the edge of the continental shelf act as magnets for pelagic life. Current sweeps around them, bringing plankton and schooling fish, which in turn attract predators. The pinnacle walls are covered in gorgonian fans, soft corals and whip corals, and the tops support hard corals and reef fish. Dive Pacific records silvertip sharks, barracuda schools and whale sharks among the trip's sightings. The depth is the key consideration. With the base at 60 m, the pinnacles extend far beyond recreational limits, and divers must plan carefully. Most will descend to 25–30 m on the flanks before spiralling up. The shallower pinnacle, with its top at 4 m, provides a perfect place for a long safety stop among reef fish. Current can run strongly around the pinnacles, so divers need to be comfortable in moving water and able to stay close to the structure. The site suits experienced divers with deep diving certification. For those with the skills, the Pinnacles offer a classic big-animal dive in one of the most remote parts of the reef. Getting here is itself an expedition: the far-northern reefs lie hundreds of kilometres north of Cairns, are visited by only a handful of liveaboards in the October–December window, and are many hours from medical help, so divers should be current, self-sufficient, carry an SMB and audible signal, and dive conservatively.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
The Pinnacles (Great Detached Reef) is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Far Northern Reef & Torres Strait. 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- 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 The Pinnacles (Great Detached Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Deep/Advanced + experience. 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 The Pinnacles (Great Detached 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
Silvertip sharks, grey reef sharks, whale sharks (occasional), barracuda schools, trevally, gorgonian fans, soft corals, whip corals
Location
Twin pinnacles on Great Detached Reef rising from about 60 m to within 4–14 m of the surface.
Facilities nearby
None – expedition liveaboard only (Spoilsport/Spirit of Freedom provide air, nitrox, meals, cabins).
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
divepacific.co.nzRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.