Meet the site
Turtle Bommie is a Divers Den site on Hastings Reef, described as a smaller bommie cluster dropping off deeply to the north. The name suggests the attraction, and turtles are indeed regular here, resting on the bommies or cruising along the drop. The cluster of coral heads gives the upper part of the dive plenty of structure, with overhangs and gaps, while the northern drop-off provides depth for certified divers. Divers Den lists batfish, stonefish, anthias and fusiliers among the fish, and smaller table corals, sea fans and whip corals as the dominant growth. The stonefish are worth noting both as a find and as a reason to keep hands off the reef, since they are extremely well camouflaged on the rubble and coral. Batfish tend to hang in the water near the bommies and will often approach divers, anthias swarm over the coral heads, and fusiliers stream past in schools along the drop. The sea fans and whip corals on the deeper slope are home to small gobies, shrimps and feather stars for macro enthusiasts. The dive suits Open Water divers who stay on the bommies and more experienced divers who want to drop down the northern face. Snorkellers can see the bommie tops but the best of the site is below 8 m. Visibility is typically 12-22 m, better on the drop than over the bommie tops. Divers Den uses the site on both its day boat and its Ocean Quest liveaboard, and it rounds out a Hastings day well after the Fish Bowl or Blue Lagoon.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Turtle 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.
- 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 Turtle 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 Turtle 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
Green turtles, batfish, stonefish, anthias, fusiliers, table corals, sea fans, whip corals, gobies, feather stars
Location
Divers Den site on Hastings Reef, about 50 km north-east of Cairns: a cluster of smaller bommies dropping off deeply to the north.
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
diversden.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.