Cairns · Queensland
Ribbon Reefs
A chain of ten outer-barrier reefs including Cod Hole — liveaboard territory.
The Ribbon Reefs are a chain of ten narrow reefs running along the edge of the continental shelf north of Cairns, reachable only by liveaboard or extended charter.
They include Cod Hole, where large potato cod have been habituated to divers for decades, and Steve's Bommie, a pinnacle that ranks among the most photographed sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
Water clarity here is generally better than on the day-trip reefs, and the drop into deep water on the outer side brings pelagic activity that inner reefs rarely produce.
Max depth
40 m
typically 20 m
Access
boat
Current
variable
Water temp
24–29°C
Level
advanced
| Region | Cairns |
|---|---|
| State | Queensland |
| Access | boat |
| Site type | reef, wall |
| Minimum depth | 5 m |
| Typical depth | 20 m |
| Maximum depth | 40 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Often 20–40 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 24–29°C |
| Experience level | intermediate, advanced |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- potato cod
- reef sharks
- barracuda and trevally schools
- dwarf minke whales seasonally
- manta rays
- nudibranchs and macro life
Seasonality
- Dwarf minke whale season runs roughly June to July on the northern Ribbon Reefs.
Access
- Liveaboard access from Cairns or Port Douglas.
- Multi-day trips; not reachable as a day trip.
Hazards
- current on the outer edges
- depth on wall sites
- remoteness from medical support
What you might see here
Species documented at this site, with seasonality and etiquette on each page.
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Dive sites nearby
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Ribbon Reefs?
Depths range from around 5 metres to roughly 40 metres, with a typical profile around 20 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Ribbon Reefs suitable for beginners?
It is better approached with experience beyond entry level. Better suited to divers with some experience beyond entry level, particularly in the local conditions. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.
How do you get to Ribbon Reefs?
Access is boat based. Liveaboard access from Cairns or Port Douglas.
Is there current at Ribbon Reefs?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Ribbon Reefs?
Commonly reported marine life includes potato cod, reef sharks, barracuda and trevally schools, dwarf minke whales seasonally, manta rays, nudibranchs and macro life. Sightings are never guaranteed, and several species here are strongly seasonal.
When is the best time to dive Ribbon Reefs?
Dwarf minke whale season runs roughly June to July on the northern Ribbon Reefs. There is rarely a single best month — the right time depends on what you want to see.
Where is Ribbon Reefs?
Ribbon Reefs is in the Cairns region of Queensland.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.