Cormorant Pass is the deep-water channel between Cormorant Reef and Ribbon Reef #10 on the outer Great Barrier Reef, east of Lizard Island. This iconic passage is the entrance to the famous Cod Hole lagoon, where enormous, friendly potato cod (Epinephelus tukula) gather in clear, warm waters. The pass features a dramatic sloping reef wall dropping from 7 to 30 metres, adorned with gorgonian sea fans and coral bommies, with visibility often exceeding 40 metres. Designated a protected Marine National Park Zone in 1983, it offers world-class drift diving and snorkeling amid pelagic-rich waters frequented by barracuda, reef sharks, and giant trevally.
Cormorant Pass
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 5.9 sWind Speed 9.9 knPrecipitation 2.1 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Cormorant Pass sits at the outer reef edge where Pacific Ocean currents funnel through the channel. Strong incoming/outgoing tidal flows can sweep snorkelers and divers rapidly, requiring good buoyancy control and fitness.
Moderate risk: Remote location
The site is a remote outer reef location with no nearby medical facilities. Emergency evacuation requires helicopter or vessel transit to Cairns (80+ km away).
Low risk: Large pelagic sharks
Bull sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and other large pelagics are regularly sighted in the pass. While generally not aggressive, their presence demands respect and situational awareness.
Low risk: Deep drop-offs
The reef drops from 7 to 30+ metres within minutes. Snorkelers must be aware of depth changes if swimming near the outer edge of the pass.
Low risk: Marine stingers
Stinging jellyfish (including Irukandji) occur in Great Barrier Reef waters, particularly November to May. Stinger suits are recommended during these months.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Cormorant Pass lies between Cormorant Reef and Ribbon Reef #10, approximately 80 km north-east of Cairns and due east of Lizard Island. Access is exclusively by liveaboard dive vessel or charter boat from Cairns, Port Douglas, or Lizard Island. No road access.
Parking & facilities
N/A — no parking at the site. Park at Cairns or Port Douglas marinas (paid parking available) before boarding vessels.
toilets
Most operators include all fees in tour packages. A Marine Park permit fee and Environmental Management Charge (EMC) apply (typically ~AUD$6-20 per person, usually included in tour price).
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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