Diving with Steve's Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef

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A report from first hand about diving with Steve’s Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef, including information about when it starts, how to get there and what awaits you

It started with a whisper as if it were revealing a state secret or the coordinates of Atlantis. His shoulders gently nestled into the butter-soft leather of his seat, his attitude was loose and casual, as if this was a drink on any other evening of our small ship expedition about the Great Barrier Reef. However, his sound revealed something different: a low and certain intensity that pointed out to us that this dive would be like no other.

he would need a special permit from the captain, said Colin, our diving instructor on the expedition. We would have to break up early, take the dinghy and be back before breakfast. Nothing was guaranteed, but he would speak to the captain and we would wait.

Colin drew a diagram of Steves Bommie. Somewhere between the Ribbon Reefs No. 2 and No. 3 was this exceptionally isolated summit, which extended from a depth of 35 m to about five meters and was usually explored in an upward spiral.

Alt = “Diving Steve’s Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef Coral Moorish Idol 1 ″> Atlas & Boots Steve’s Bommie is one of the best diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef

There were no other divers on our expedition, so Peter and I would be the only passengers on the dive. Steves Bommie's legend was so great that members of the crew wanted to participate loudly. If you counted me, Peter, Colin and his divemaster colleague Majek, there was only room for another crew member. Our local marine biologist Riccardo galant to Jamie from hospitality aside.

And so we woke up at dawn the next morning, tired, but pleased that the skipper had approved the trip. We packed in the dinghy, fins and equipment ready and prepared by the increasingly efficient colin.

The daylight bloomed when we drove away from the ship for about 15 minutes and struck when we arrived somewhere at S15 ° 30 ′ 06.4 ″ E145 ′ 16.7 ″ (but who knows is the magic of Steves Bommie, maybe it has moved).

alt = “”> Atlas & Boots Steve’s Bommie is one of the best diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef

We put on our masks and fins and although I was bursting before the familiar adrenaline in front of the dive, this was in a more pleasant way. I have already said that diving is difficult, because as soon as you do two, it is usually time to go home, according to which you don't dive for another six months and quickly fall out of the exercise. This time, however, I had spent six days on the ship, dipped almost every day with colin and was therefore familiar with my equipment, perfectly weighted and generally calm and confident.

We rolled into the water and relegated without adoption. We immediately noticed the incredible view. At Steve’s Bommie it regularly reaches 30m, a welcome fact because I had to stop at 18m, while the others, all of whom were certified above my open water, descend a further six meters to observe a turtle.

alt = “dive Steves Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef-Tortover”> Atlas & Boots A shy turtle on Steve’s Bommie

I was at a loss because Steves Bommie was like nothing I had ever seen. Diving on the Galápagos Islands was a surreal and, after a cool consideration, makes Steves Bommie the best dive that I have ever done, but the colors and variety on the Great Barrier Reef were simply unrivaled.

steves bommie brims up with life. We watched it danced and played and cried and fluctuated over the walls of the tin. Clown fish in bright orange that roll together in the tentacles of an anemone with thick fingers alongside schools of yellow snappers and flag bars in Disney purple.

We drove around the bomb, rose in corners and cracks, caught a scorpion fish in the eye and reared us up in front of the nightmarish silhouette of a red -fire fish. The biodiversity cannot be overlooked, including flame files, eels, crabs, nude snails and catch crayfish. Perhaps an octopus or wobblegong shark has even camouflaged in the columns.

I ironically noticed that "Steve’s Bommie" was a typical Australian understatement. A bold nation would certainly have called Atlantis.

The eponymous Steve is said to have been a legendary diver (also alternately cook, customer, free diver and guide) who died on site. The truth remains unknown, but I was told that a memorial plaque is attached to the Bommie at a height of 25 m.

alt = “dive Steves Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef plaque”> Jayne Jenkins; Fair use A plaque dedicated to Steve of the same name

We spent just over half an hour to circle Steve’s Bommie, and were completely enchanted by one of the best diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef.

After the usual safety stop, we all appeared together and howled for joy. Steve’s Bommie is everything we learned to dive for. It is a strange world in breathtaking clarity, a pulsating center of life, an opportunity to see an extraordinary mega sauces and to find out again why it is so important to protect our planet.

That is why we humans do not advise against visiting ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. It is fair to say that most people are apathetic to the environment, but they are experiences like this that are carried out sustainably, promote real investments in the wildlife and nature; that show you what we have to lose; with which you undertake to reduce plastic consumption.

they are experiences like this that demonstrate the extraordinary nature of life on earth and remind us of its true value.

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Atlas & Boots

diving with Steve’s Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef: The essentials

was: Steve’s Bommie in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, diving.

Where: We stayed on Coral Expeditions II in a cabin on the upper deck. Our room was extremely comfortable and surprisingly spacious with lots of storage space and a breathtaking sea view.

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Atlas & Boots

aperitifs were served on the upper deck and the meals were taken in the dining room of the lower deck, where chef Mark Festmahle prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as morning and afternoon tea.

The maximum capacity of 44 guests (ours 22) ensures an excellent camaraderie and atmosphere, which is reinforced by a delightful crew. Overall, it was a wonderful way to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

When: The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from July to October due to good visibility and little rain and wind.

like: We have connected Coral Expeditions for a 7-night expedition from Cairns to Hinchinbrook Island, Lizard Island and back to Cairns.

The prices start at 3,680 AUD ($ 2,720) per person and include all meals, tea and coffee, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, snorkeling excursions, guided journeys with the glass floor boat, presentations of marine biologists, access to islands, sea parks and national parks, an introduction to the diving skills for diving. Cairns or to Cairns Airport.

The prices do not include dives ($ 80 AUD / $ 60 USD per person, per dive) or Stinger Suits. Note that there is no internet access on board.

expeditions start and return to the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. Before the departure, you will receive instructions for getting in that you are worth reading, since taxi drivers do not always know exactly where to go.

Cairns itself can be reached by car from Hertz Australia, by bus from Greyhound Australia or by plane to Cairn Airport. Book domestic or foreign flights via Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide for the country, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take less busy roads.

disclosure: We explored the Great Barrier Reef with the support of Coral Expeditions. All publications say that, but we really don't guarantee positive reporting. We say what we think - good and bad - so that you can make sound decisions with honest advice.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots 
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