Boat dive on the Ribbon Reefs famous for friendly potato cod and colourful reef.
Access is by boat on offshore reef trips, so a local dive operator is effectively required.
Cod Hole - Ribbon No 10 Reef - GBR is a boat-accessed reef dive on the Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns. It is best known for its habituated potato cod, which are often a major part of the experience. The site also offers colourful coral and a broad mix of tropical reef life. Planning should stay flexible for offshore conditions, but the underwater layout is described as straightforward around the main bommie and nearby reef.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
9m - 18m
Depth Note
Source material describes the site as shallow enough for broad accessibility and gives an average and maximum dive depth.
Best Season
Dry season is generally described as the preferred window, when conditions are usually calmer and visibility tends to be better.
Typical Conditions
Outer-reef conditions with generally calm periods in the dry season and more variable weather outside it. Underwater navigation is typically straightforward around the main bommie and nearby reef.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Plan for offshore boat diving and follow guide direction closely. Treat the cod as habituated wildlife and avoid crowding or chasing animals.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only. Conditions and trip scheduling depend on offshore reef operations.
Legal Notes
Use normal Great Barrier Reef marine park and operator rules; do not harass wildlife or touch coral.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Scuba is the core activity here. Divers come for the resident potato cod, easy navigation around the main bommie, and the mix of reef scenery and larger animals.
Freedive
Freediving is described as possible in the available material, but conditions are offshore and boat-based, so it is best suited to confident freedivers with support.
Snorkel
Snorkelling is described as rewarding, with much of the reef life visible from the surface in suitable conditions.
Chill / Non-diver
Not a shore hangout spot. It is mainly a boat trip focused on reef viewing and wildlife encounters.
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Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Diving Guide | DiveJourney | Cairns is the easiest launch point for Great Barrier Reef day boats and liveaboards. Inner reefs like Norman, Milln, and Flynn are reached in {{ 60 | distance:k | Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
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Lighthouse Bommie is a small, marine-rich reef bommie best known for its compact
Iconic Ribbon Reef pinnacle with dense fish life and macro critters.
