Skip to content
OpenWaterAtlas
A diver photographing coral reefs in a vivid underwater scene.
📷 Leonardo Lamas · Pexels

Lighthouse Bommie

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.2 12 species 21 contributors

Lighthouse Bommie is a year-round dive site in Australia's Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, featuring healthy coral and diverse marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners chasing chasing pelagics.

🐢 MPA · Great Barrier Reef World Herit… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAPhotoFriendlyFamily-friendlyPelagic hotspot

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Map

This spot POIs Airport Nearby spots
Lighthouse Bommie location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
25.3 kn
Wave
2.34 m
Water
24.4°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: ESE (50%)
Now: ESE (117°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.84m

Today: High 05:00 (+0.65m), Low 10:00 (+0.29m)

+1.7 m0 m-0.1 m
▲ 05:00 · +0.65m ▼ 10:00 · +0.29m ▲ 18:00 · +1.4m ▼ 00:00 · +0.32m Now +0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV7.2 · high Air PM2.517 · moderate 06:09 18:13
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 28.9 2.4 7 2mm
09-20 24.1 2.12 8 0mm
09-21 18.4 1.52 8 0mm
09-22 18.5 1.3 9 1mm
09-23 18.8 1.44 9 1mm
09-24 22.5 1.58 9 1mm
09-25 23.2 1.6 9 1mm

About this spot

Lighthouse Bommie sits within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, one of the planet's most protected and studied coral ecosystems. The site draws divers year-round, making it accessible across all seasons. Recent coral health monitoring shows no stress indicators, meaning you'll encounter vibrant reef structures and thriving coral colonies. The bommie hosts a variety of marine species typical of the central reef system. Twelve documented species observations from the site give you a solid baseline for what to expect underwater—from small reef fish to larger pelagics that patrol the site. The reef structure provides plenty of visual interest and shelter for marine life at multiple depths. Access to Lighthouse Bommie is managed under Great Barrier Reef regulations. The site's protected status ensures consistent management and monitoring, which keeps the reef healthy long-term. Community divers have uploaded 3 videos documenting conditions, giving you real footage of the underwater environment before you plan your trip. Whether you're exploring for the first time or returning to log dives, Lighthouse Bommie offers the combination of protection, biodiversity, and accessibility that makes the reef system world-famous.

📖 Guide: Diving in Australia: 61 Sites from Coral Reefs to Cold-Water Wrecks

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type I · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 14955km · ~3440kg · €62

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 53/100
  • Visa: e-Visa · 90 days max
  • Flight: 16h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 9h east · 6 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Lighthouse Bommie?

Lighthouse Bommie is diveable year-round. This means you can plan a trip around your schedule rather than waiting for a specific season. Check current conditions and water temperature before booking, as weather patterns vary by month.

What marine life will I see at Lighthouse Bommie?

Twelve species observations are documented at the site, spanning reef fish, coral inhabitants, and visiting pelagics. The healthy coral environment supports active feeding and breeding populations. Specific species vary with season and time of day.

Is Lighthouse Bommie in a protected area?

Yes. Lighthouse Bommie lies within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, one of the world's most carefully managed marine zones. This protection means strict access rules apply. Check current permits and regulations before diving.

How can I learn more about conditions before I go?

Community divers have posted 3 videos from the site showing recent conditions. Recent coral health monitoring shows no stress, indicating thriving reef structures. Contact local operators for current water temperature, visibility, and dive briefings.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

50 records · 48 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Negaprion acutidens

Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
17 Aug 2018
×1records

Glossodoris cincta

Gastropoda · Chromodorididae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Dec 2015
×1records

Phyllidiella pustulosa

Gastropoda · Phyllidiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
31 Oct 2015
×1records

Nembrotha milleri

Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
31 Oct 2015
×1records

Nembrotha kubaryana

Gastropoda · Polyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
30 Jun 2015
×1records

Conus imperialis

The Imperial Cone
Gastropoda · Conidae
OBIS
Last seen:
23 Aug 2014
×1records

Varanusia quasimodo

Polychaeta · Terebellidae
OBIS
Last seen:
23 Aug 2013
×1records

Spirorbinae

Polychaeta · Serpulidae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Aug 2013
×1records

Lumbrineridae

Polychaeta · Lumbrineridae
OBIS
Last seen:
21 Aug 2013
×1records

Sabellidae

Fan Worm, Feather-duster Worm, Peacock Worm
Polychaeta · Sabellidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Aug 2013
×1records

Oenone fulgida

Polychaeta · Oenonidae
OBIS
Last seen:
19 Aug 2013
×1records

Polynoidae

Scale Worm
Polychaeta · Polynoidae
OBIS
Last seen:
17 Aug 2013
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Australia, Lighthouse Bommie

RosMaximus

GBR Day 3, Dive 3 - Lighthouse Bommie

Kevin Herman

Lighthouse Bommie Dive 2 - Ribbon Reef 10 - Great Barrier Reef - Australia

Johnny
wind peaks May-Aug-Sep, calmest Feb-Jan-Dec, dry May-Nov.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: May (100/100) Worst: Oct (0/100) Now: Sep (95/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

Nearby spots

Challenger Bay Australia Diving
🇦🇺 Australia

Challenger Bay

Challenger Bay offers year-round diving in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area with healthy coral and diverse marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Pixie Gardens Australia Diving
🇦🇺 Australia

Pixie Gardens

Pixie Gardens is a year-round dive site within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, known for healthy coral and rich marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Pixie Pinnacle Australia Diving
🇦🇺 Australia

Pixie Pinnacle

Pixie Pinnacle is a year-round dive site in Australia's Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, protected and featuring healthy coral.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+

Similar spots

Same activity, shared marine species or similar profile.

Goggle Gardens Australia Diving
🇦🇺 Australia

Goggle Gardens

Goggle Gardens is a year-round dive site in Australia's Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, known for healthy coral and diverse marine life.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Cod Hole Australia Diving
🇦🇺 Australia

Cod Hole

Cod Hole is a year-round Queensland dive site famous for feeding giant grouper in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Beginner Jan·Feb·Mar+
Light Reef - Phil`s Bommie Australia Diving
🇦🇺 Australia

Light Reef - Phil`s Bommie

Light Reef — Phil's Bommie is a year-round dive site within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, known for healthy coral and rich marine life.

Beginner

Suggest an operator

Know a great dive shop, kite school, or local guide at this spot? Tell us — we'll review and add it.

Up to 500 characters
Plan
View →