Temple of Doom is a renowned dive and snorkel site on Ribbon Reef Number 3, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef off Cairns, Queensland. Named for its dramatic, temple-like pinnacle formations that rise from the deep, this site offers rich coral gardens, gentle currents, and clear tropical waters. Snorkelers drift over bommies and ledges surrounded by vibrant soft corals, sea fans, and schooling fish. The site is a favourite stop on multi-day liveaboard itineraries exploring the Ribbon Reefs, often paired with nearby sites like Steve's Bommie and Cod Hole.
Temple of Doom
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.2 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 8.4 knPrecipitation 2.3 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Moderate currents
Ocean currents can be moderate around the pinnacle formations; typically gentle but variable with tide.
Low risk: Open ocean swell
Located on the outer reef, exposed to open ocean swell and wind conditions.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Temple of Doom is located on Ribbon Reef Number 3, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. Access is exclusively via dive/snorkel liveaboard or extended day tour from Cairns. Boats depart from Cairns Marina; the trip takes approximately 2–3 hours to reach the Ribbon Reefs.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at Cairns Marina for day-trippers; overnight parking options nearby.
Accessible only via paid tour operators — liveaboard trips or multi-day dive charters from Cairns.
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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