Flare (commonly known as Flare Point) is a spectacular dive and snorkel site on Ribbon Reef Number 3 in the outer Great Barrier Reef, accessed almost exclusively by liveaboard vessels from Cairns. Renowned for its pristine coral gardens teeming with marine life, the site features vibrant bommies, sandy gutters, and patch reefs that attract cuttlefish, reef sharks, and colourful schooling fish. Part of the same legendary cluster as Steve's Bommie and Temple of Doom, Flare Point offers crystalline waters with exceptional visibility on the ribbon reef matrix, where the reef drops dramatically into deep channels.
Flare
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 8.4 knPrecipitation 0.9 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep through the Ribbon Reef passages, requiring good swimming ability and awareness of tide times.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Marine stingers including box jellyfish and Irukandji are present in tropical North Queensland waters during the warmer months.
Low risk: Remote location
Flare Point is a remote offshore reef site, hours from the nearest medical facility on the mainland.
Low risk: Boat-only access
Vessel access only; passengers must be comfortable with tender transfers from the liveaboard to the reef.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Flare is located on Ribbon Reef Number 3, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef approximately 100 km north-east of Cairns. Access is exclusively by liveaboard dive boat or chartered vessel from Cairns or Port Douglas. Most visitors access it via multi-day liveaboard trips such as Spirit of Freedom, which depart from Cairns' Trinity Wharf.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Cairns marina car parks for day visitors; liveaboard guests typically use hotel transfers or taxi to Trinity Wharf.
Accessible only via liveaboard dive/snorkel tours. Multi-day trips range from approximately AUD $1,000–$2,500+ depending on duration and inclusions.
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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