The Cod Hole, on Ribbon Reef No. 10 in the far-northern Great Barrier Reef, is one of the world's most famous dive sites. Its claim to fame is a resident population of enormous, completely habituated potato cod (Epinephelus tukula) that can exceed 1 metre and weigh over 100 kg. These gentle giants swim right up to divers with calm curiosity, often hovering centimetres away — a truly unforgettable encounter. The site sits on the outer ribbon reefs at 18–22 m depth, with crystal-clear water and pristine coral gardens typical of the remote northern reef. Due to its isolated location, it is only accessible via multi-day liveaboard charters, making it a bucket-list destination for dedicated snorkellers and divers.
The Cod Hole
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 2.0 knPrecipitation 1.3 mmTidal Phase flood
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© Toytown MafiaThe spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Open-water depth and current
The site is on the outer reef shelf at 18–22 m depth. Snorkellers must be comfortable in open water with considerable depth below; currents can be present.
Low risk: Large marine life interaction
The Potato Cod are large, powerful fish accustomed to human presence. They may brush against or bump into divers, which can startle inexperienced swimmers.
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Gallery
5 photos from the community
Getting in
Boat
Entry
Located on Ribbon Reef No. 10, approximately 240–250 km north of Cairns, Queensland. Accessible only by liveaboard dive charter (typically 7–10 day itineraries) departing from Cairns or Port Douglas. The site is also reachable via scenic flight to Lizard Island with a charter boat transfer.
Parking & facilities
No parking available — the site is only accessible by boat. All trips depart from Cairns or Port Douglas marinas where long-term parking is available for a fee (e.g., Reef Fleet Terminal parking). Liveaboard guests typically arrange shuttle transfers from their accommodation to the marina departure.
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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