Cod Hole is a world-famous snorkel and dive site perched atop Ribbon Reef #10 in the remote northern Great Barrier Reef. This shallow sandy-bottomed site (max 10 m depth) is a natural aquarium where a resident pod of enormous, tame Potato Cod (up to 100 kg) drift motionlessly among snorkelers, accustomed to decades of diver interaction. Surrounded by vibrant coral bommies and steep reef walls, the gin-clear waters offer encounters with massive groupers, reef sharks, and dazzling schools of tropical fish. Its isolation and sheltered position make it one of the most accessible yet spectacular wild reef experiences in North Queensland.
Cod Hole
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 5.9 sWind Speed 9.9 knPrecipitation 2.1 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
© Toytown MafiaThe spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Moderate risk: Remote location
The site lies in a remote area 250 km north of Cairns, accessible only by liveaboard or charter. Medical evacuation would be slow in an emergency.
Low risk: Large marine life (Potato Cod)
Potato cod are large, curious fish that may bump into or crowd snorkelers, which can be startling for inexperienced swimmers.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Though generally mild at Cod Hole, the Ribbon Reefs region can experience unpredictable tidal flows that may carry snorkelers away from the mooring.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
5 photos from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Cod Hole is located on Ribbon Reef #10, approximately 250 km north of Cairns in the remote northern Great Barrier Reef. Access is exclusively via liveaboard dive boat or organised snorkel tour departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. The closest island with accommodation is Lizard Island, which can be reached by air or boat.
Parking & facilities
Not applicable — no vehicle access. All visitors arrive by boat or air-transfer to a liveaboard vessel or Lizard Island Resort charter.
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Gallery ┬╖ 5 photos
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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