Lighthouse Bommie is a spectacular isolated coral pinnacle on the outer Ribbon Reefs, rising from 30 metres deep to within 5 metres of the surface — like a submerged lighthouse tower. This deep-water bommie attracts massive schools of trevally, barracuda, and fusiliers that swirl around the coral-covered pillar. A resident green turtle is often seen basking in the attention of snorkelers. From June to July, the site becomes a playground for inquisitive dwarf minke whales during their southward migration. Surrounded by deep blue water, the bommie is covered in gorgonian fans, sea whips, and soft corals, offering exceptional visibility and a true outer-reef experience.
Lighthouse Bommie
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.0 sWind Speed 9.2 knPrecipitation 1.4 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Exposed Offshore Location
Located in the outer Coral Sea, conditions can change rapidly with wind shifts. The site is exposed to the prevailing south-easterly trade winds.
Low risk: Tidal Currents
The site is an isolated pinnacle in deep open water and can experience strong tidal flows that sweep around the bommie, requiring good swimming ability.
Low risk: Dwarf Minke Whale Season
Dwarf minke whales pass through the Ribbon Reefs, particularly in June and July. While generally inquisitive and non-aggressive, snorkelers should maintain respectful distance.
Low risk: Deep Water Surrounds
The bommie is a deep-water pinnacle with no shallow lagoon or reef flat for resting. Snorkelers should be comfortable in deep water with no bottom in sight between the boat and the bommie.
Low risk: Strong tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep snorkelers and divers along the bommie's walls. Requires good fitness and awareness of the current direction.
Low risk: Remote offshore location
This is an offshore reef site accessible only by boat — remote location with no immediate emergency services nearby.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Marine traffic in the area including dive boats and charter vessels operating around the Ribbon Reefs.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Lighthouse Bommie is located on the Ribbon Reefs (specifically Ribbon Reef #10), approximately 200 km north of Cairns, Queensland. Access is exclusively via liveaboard dive vessels or day-tour boats that depart from Cairns, Port Douglas, or Lizard Island. Most visitors reach the site on multi-day liveaboard itineraries that include Cod Hole, Dynamite Pass, and other Ribbon Reef sites.
Parking & facilities
No parking available — the site is offshore. All visitors arrive by boat from Cairns, Port Douglas, or Lizard Island marinas (which have paid parking options). Best to arrange transfers with your tour operator.
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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