Lighthouse Bommie is a colossal coral pinnacle rising from 25 metres deep to just 5 metres below the surface on the outer Ribbon Reefs, north of Cairns. This submerged tower of ancient coral growth is a famous manta ray cleaning station and a magnet for schooling trevally, barracuda, and sea turtles. Clear offshore waters and the sheer vertical wall of coral make it one of the Great Barrier Reef's most dramatic snorkel sites — a true underwater seamount experience accessible only by boat.
Lighthouse Bommies
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Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 6.3 sWind Speed 8.7 knPrecipitation 3.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Offshore currents
Strong currents sweep around this exposed offshore pinnacle, especially on the outer reef edge. Snorkelers must be comfortable swimming in current.
Low risk: Tidal surge over shallow coral
The bommie rises from 25m depth to 5m — strong tidal surges can push snorkelers across the shallow coral cap.
Low risk: Remote offshore location
Located 50+ km offshore on the outer Ribbon Reefs. Emergency evacuation is distant and limited to vessel support.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Lighthouse Bommie is located on the outer Ribbon Reefs, north of Cairns, Queensland. Access is exclusively by liveaboard dive vessel or dedicated snorkel tour boat from Cairns or Port Douglas. No shore access — this is an offshore pinnacle.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Cairns or Port Douglas marina long-term parking (fees apply).
Part of a day-tour or liveaboard package; prices vary by operator (typically $200–$500 AUD for day trips).
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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