8 of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef

8 of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef

We spent seven days diving in the largest reef system in the world - and enjoyed every minute. Below we share some of the best diving spots in the Great Barrier Reef

As travel bloggers, we are sometimes guilty of exaggeration. However, when it comes to diving in the Great Barrier Reef, you can't exaggerate. The coral reef here is simply magnificent.

We spent seven days aboard the 35m Coral Expeditions II catamaran, a small vessel that can accommodate a maximum of 44 passengers (our trip had 22).

Not only is a small ship a more sustainable way to see the Great Barrier Reef, it also allows access to exclusive anchorages inaccessible to day-trippers from the mainland.

We dived most days, up to three times a day depending on the itinerary. Diving was calm and carefree throughout the trip, made particularly effortless by a hydraulic platform at the stern of the ship that gently lowered divers and snorkelers directly into the sea. Our instructor Colin was calm, organized and hardworking which made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The Great Barrier Reef, with its moderate depths and clear, calm waters, is an excellent location for beginners and intermediates. With that in mind, we share eight of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef.

1. Nathan Riff

Depth:9m

alt="The Great Barrier Reef attracts 2 million visitors a year">Atlas & BootsThe Great Barrier Reef attracts 2 million visitors annually

The shallow, calm and colorful reef of Nathan Reef is an excellent starting point. Nathan Reef is conveniently located near Cairns and is characterized by its countless colorful corals, sea anemones and schools of parrotfish. A resident pair of clownfish (often referred to as Nemo fish) found at around 30 feet (9 m) deep is always a popular attraction.

2. Band riff

Depth:16m (Reef #3), 18m (Reef #9)

alt="Ribbon Reef #9 one of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef">Atlas & BootsRibbon Reef comprises a chain of ten individual reefs

Located in a remote area of ​​the Coral Sea, Ribbon Reef offers some of the best diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Ribbon Reef comprises a chain of 10 individual reefs, of which #3 and #9 are generally considered the best.

Ribbon Reef is located next to Cooktown on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Divers are likely to see a range of larger fish such as grouper, cod and bream, as well as the usual assortment of colorful reef fish.

Look for what can only be described as “unusual” at Ribbon Reef #3. It definitely surprised us!

3. Steve's Bommie

Depth:24m

Somewhere between Ribbon Reefs No. 2 and No. 3, approximately S15° 30′ 06.4″ E145° 47′ 16.7″, stands an extraordinary isolated point, extending from a depth of 35 m to about five meters.

The top, called Steve’s Bommie, is teeming with life. Clownfish in bursting orange curl in the tentacles of fatfinger anemones alongside schools of yellow snapper and anthias in Disney purple.

Steve’s Bommie is not only one of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef, it is one of the best dives we have ever done anywhere in the world.

Steve’s Bommie and Ribbon Reef are too far away for a day trip. Therefore, the location can only be reached by liveaboard or cruise ship unless you have access to a private yacht or are staying on Lizard Island.

4. Reef escape

Depth:10m

alt="Escape Reef is one of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef">Atlas & BootsMany healthy and colorful corals are on display at Escape Reef

Escape Reef is another outstanding dive site included on our Great Barrier Reef itinerary. It has two different sides: one facing the ocean and one facing the lagoon. The lagoon side is more protected and therefore ideal for diving.

The reef, which is not accessible from Port Douglas day boats, is one of the least visited and most untouched in the area. A variety of healthy and colorful corals with minimal signs of bleaching are on display.

5. Heron Island

Depth:5-25m

alt="Interesting facts about the Great Barrier Reef in Australia">Atlas & BootsThe Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet

Heron Island is a coral island located approximately 50km offshore and is blessed with numerous excellent diving sites. The island is a notable turtle nesting site, home to around 4,000 green and loggerhead sea turtles, so it's very likely you'll encounter several at one of over 20 dive sites in the surrounding reef.

Day trips to Heron Island are not possible. So unless you're on a liveaboard, your only real option is to stay at the island's resort with the attached Heron Island Marine Center.

6. Lady Elliot Island

Depth:10-30m

alt="Best Dive Sites in the Great Barrier Reef Olady Elliot">DreamtimeLady Elliot Island is known for its rays and turtles

There are over 20 dive sites in the reef around Lady Elliot Island, known for their populations of manta rays and green sea turtles. As with Heron Island, the only real way to access the site is by staying at the resort on the island.

The surrounding waters are home to a number of reefs and bommies with varying depths and terrains. These support a large and diverse fish population as well as a number of different turtle species.

Located 56km from the mainland, the coral reefs around Lady Elliot are in pristine condition. Encounters with whales are not uncommon as the island is close to the continental shelf drop and deeper water.

7. Osprey Reef

Depth:12-40m

alt="Best Dive Sites in the Great Barrier Reef Osprey Reef">Matt Kieffer; CC BY-SA 2.0Osprey Reef is 60 km from the other reefs

Famous for its excellent reef shark feeding opportunities, Osprey Reef is home to a natural underwater amphitheater where divers can easily see silvertip, whitetip and gray reef sharks.

The reef is isolated, around 60km from the other popular reefs in the area, meaning access can be a real challenge. However, the almost vertical reef walls, which rise from a depth of around 2,000 m, offer excellent visibility.

8. SS Yongala

Depth:30m

alt="Best Dive Sites in the Great Barrier Reef SS Yongala">Darren Jude; CC BY-SA 2.0The SS Yongala is one of the best wreck dives in the world

Our chosen wreck dive is the 110m long SS Yongala, located in open water approximately 20km from the mainland. The passenger ship sank during a cyclone in 1911, with all 122 passengers and crew lost in the tragedy. It is Australia's largest and most intact historic shipwreck and one of the best diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef.

With an international reputation as one of the best wreck dives in the world, Yongala is now a magnificent isolated artificial reef that is home to a variety of marine life. The wreck lies on its side 15 m below the surface and 30 m at its deepest point. The site can be reached by speedboat from Townsville, but it is quicker from Alva Beach near Ayr.

best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef: map

Best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef: the essentials

What: Diving at some of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

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

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Atlas & Boots

Aperitifs were served on the upper deck and meals were taken in the lower deck dining room, where Chef Mark prepared feasts for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as morning and afternoon tea.

The maximum capacity of 44 guests (ours had 22) makes for an excellent camaraderie and atmosphere, enhanced 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.

How: We joined Coral Expeditions for a 7 night expedition from Cairns to Hinchinbrook Island, Lizard Island and back to Cairns.

Prices start from A$3,680 (US$2,720) per person and include all meals, tea and coffee, snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, snorkeling excursions, guided glass-bottom boat rides, presentations by marine biologists, access to islands, marine parks and national parks, an introduction to diving skills for first-time divers and drop-off at a Cairns hotel or Cairns Airport. Prices do not include dives ($80 AUD / $60 USD per person, per dive) or stinger suits. Please note that there is no internet access on board.

Expeditions depart and return to the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal. You will receive boarding instructions before departure, which are worth reading carefully as 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 Cairns Airport. Book domestic or international flights with Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide to the country, ideal for those who want to both explore the top attractions and take the road less traveled.

Disclosure: We explored the Great Barrier Reef with support from Coral Expeditions. All publications say this, but we really don't guarantee positive coverage. We say what we think – good and bad – so you can make informed decisions with honest advice.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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