Bashful Bommie is a striking underwater pinnacle on South Opal Reef, where two distinct marine environments converge. On one side, sheltered reef flats host colourful coral-dwelling fish among gardens of hardy corals and giant clams. On the other, a deeper ocean channel draws larger pelagics — a thrilling contrast that makes this site unique. The bommie itself rises about 18 metres from the sandy floor, attracting resident Maori wrasse, schools of red bass, and marauding Spanish mackerel. Part of the outer Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas, it offers pristine visibility and is visited exclusively by low-impact tour operators.
Bashful Bommie
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 6.2 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Marine Stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in the waters off North Queensland during the warmer months (November to May).
Moderate risk: Drift Current
Sno Bommie is often dived as a drift along the inner slope of the reef. Currents can be moderate to strong, carrying snorkelers along the reef face. Requires good fitness and comfort with drift conditions.
Low risk: Tidal Current
The deeper ocean channel alongside the bommie can experience strong tidal flows, especially during spring tides. May affect snorkelers who drift beyond the sheltered reef edge.
Low risk: Wind Chop (June–August)
From June to August, trade winds frequently create choppy surface conditions on the exposed side of Opal Reef, making snorkelling more challenging.
Low risk: Boat Traffic Around Moorings
Vessels access the site via moorings. Snorkelers must be aware of boat traffic during entry and exit.
Low risk: Shark Presence
The site is known for a notable presence of sharks (including grey reef sharks), which frequent the bommie. While typically non-aggressive, snorkelers should remain calm and avoid provoking marine life.
Low risk: Ocean Swell
As an outer reef site, the bommie is fully exposed to ocean swell. Larger swells can create surge around the bommie, making it challenging for less experienced snorkelers.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Bashful Bommie is located on South Opal Reef, approximately 30 nautical miles (50-60 km) east of Port Douglas, North Queensland. It is accessible only by organised boat tours. Full-day reef trips depart from Port Douglas marina (check-in around 8:00 AM, return ~4:30 PM). The journey takes roughly 1.5 hours each way.
Parking & facilities
Paid parking available at Port Douglas Marina or nearby public car parks. Arrive early as spaces fill during peak season. Many tour operators recommend parking at the marina lot on Wharf Street.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports