Whale Bommie is a massive, isolated coral head rising from 30 metres deep off the southern side of Milln Reef, approximately 56 km east of Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. At low tide, waves break over the bommie's crest, shooting a plume of water into the air — hence the name. The site is crowned with dense soft corals, huge gorgonian sea fans, and hard coral gardens. Snorkelers drift over the bommie's shallow plateau while the reef wall drops away into deeper blue, offering encounters with sleeping white-tipped reef sharks, green sea turtles, and bumphead parrotfish. The bommie's isolation and rich marine life make it one of the most iconic snorkel and dive sites in the Cairns region.
Milln Reef - Whale Bommie
IntermediateMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 6.2 knPrecipitation 0.2 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Milln Reef - Whale Bommie has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Remote location danger
Extreme remoteness — the nearest medical facility is hours away by boat/helicopter. Self-reliance is essential.
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Remote location
Extreme remoteness — the nearest medical facility is hours away by boat/helicopter. Self-reliance is essential.
Moderate risk: Ocean currents
The bommie is isolated from the main reef — currents can sweep snorkelers away from the site. Drift conditions are common.
Moderate risk: Open ocean swells & wind chop
The site is accessed via open ocean, 350 km offshore. Swells, strong currents, and wind chop can develop quickly, making surface conditions challenging for snorkellers.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents at lagoon entrance
Tidal currents can be strong through the gutters and passes at the lagoon entrance, requiring good fitness and awareness.
Low risk: Low-tide wave surge over bommie
At low tide, waves break over the bommie's crest, creating a dramatic plume of water and surge that can disorient snorkelers.
Low risk: Deep drop-off adjacent to bommie
Whale Bommie is a deep site (25–30 m at base) with steep drop-offs. Snorkelers should stay on the shallow plateau.
Low risk: Remote offshore location
The site is 56 km offshore — boat access only. Medical evacuation is distant.
Low risk: Deep wall drop-off
Petaj Mooring is a wall dive site where the reef wall drops steeply to 20 metres. Snorkelers should stay near the surface and be aware of the sudden depth change.
Low risk: Open ocean exposure
The site is some 56 km offshore and exposed to open ocean conditions. Swell and wind can affect water conditions year-round, with the summer wet season (Nov–Apr) typically bringing more unsettled seas.
Low risk: Boat traffic
Boat traffic from multiple tour operators visiting Milln Reef sites. Snorkelers must stay aware of vessels using the mooring.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Located approximately 56 km (~1.5 hr) east of Cairns, North QLD. Accessible only by commercial tour boat or liveaboard from Cairns. Operators include Passions of Paradise, Silverswift, Pro Dive Cairns, and Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Cairns marina precincts. Check with your tour operator for specific meeting point details.
toiletsparking
Tours from approx. $275 AUD per person (day trip). Liveaboard packages from $1,095 AUD.
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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