Meet the site
Trigger Happy is one of three Flinders Reefs sites named on Mike Ball's Yongala & Coral Sea expedition itinerary, alongside Fan Fair and Cod Wall.
No description of the site itself was found. The name suggests triggerfish, and the Coral Sea is home to titan triggerfish, which nest on sand and rubble and defend their nests vigorously during the breeding season, and to clown, orange-lined and red-toothed triggerfish that crowd reef walls. Whether the name refers to a nesting area, a particular abundance of triggerfish or something else entirely is not known.
The general character of Flinders gives an idea of what to expect. Mike Ball describes vertical walls dropping more than 300 m, with 40 m-plus visibility, soft corals and massive sea fans, and sharks, tuna and barracuda. Cruising the Edge reports tiger and tawny nurse sharks and yellowfin and dogtooth tuna in the area.
This record is provisional. If titan triggerfish are nesting, divers should be aware that they defend a cone-shaped territory extending upward from the nest, and should swim away horizontally rather than upward if a fish charges. The crew briefing will cover the site's layout and depth. It suits intermediate divers, and the entry should be updated when an operator description becomes available.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Trigger Happy (Flinders Reef) is recorded as Reef in Coral Sea. 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 Trigger Happy (Flinders 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 Trigger Happy (Flinders 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
Triggerfish (species unconfirmed), soft corals, sea fans, reef sharks, tuna, barracuda (regional)
Location
A Flinders Reefs dive site named on Mike Ball's Yongala & Coral Sea itinerary; layout and 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.
