What to expect on a Superyacht Charter – Ribbon Reefs

YOTSPACE - Superyacht Voyages - Scuba Diving

What Superyacht Charter Guests Can Expect to See at the Ribbon Reefs off Port Douglas

By YOTSPACE

The Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, and the Ribbon Reefs are no exception. Each of the ten Ribbon Reefs offers unique opportunities for divers, snorkelers, and fishermen to witness the wonders of this underwater world. Here’s a closer look at what superyacht charter guests can expect to see on each of the individual Ribbon Reefs:

YOTSPACE superyacht voyages Great Barrier Reef - Snorkel the reef

Osprey Reef

Located at the northernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef, Osprey Reef is known for its deep walls and clear water. Here, divers can expect to see large schools of fish, including trevally and barracuda, as well as sharks, rays, and even the occasional manta ray. The best time to visit Osprey Reef is between June and November.

Marine Life: Grey reef whaler sharks, whitetip reef sharks, silvertip sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, big-eye trevally, barracuda, black marlin, nautilus.

Cod Hole

As its name suggests, Cod Hole is home to a large population of giant cod, which can grow up to two meters in length. In addition to these puppy like friendly fish, divers and snorkelers can expect to see a variety of colourful coral and other tropical fish. Cod Hole is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is between August and December.

Marine Life: Giant Potato Cod, Flowery Cod, Spine Cheek Anemonefish, Lionfish, Pygmy Sea Horse, Reef Sharks, Red Bass, Nudibranchs, Lacey Scorpionfish, Ghost Pipefish.

Lighthouse Bommie

This Ribbon Reef is named for its towering coral bommie, which rises up from the ocean floor to within a few meters of the surface. Divers can expect to see a wide variety of fish and other marine life here, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and turtles. Lighthouse Bommie is best visited between September and December.

Marine Life: Gorgonian fans, Sea Whips, Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Green Turtles, Pipefish, Lionfish, Nudibranchs

Pixie Pinnacle

Another popular dive site, Pixie Pinnacle is home to an abundance of colourful coral and fish. Divers can expect to see giant clams, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish, including parrotfish and triggerfish. The best time to visit Pixie Pinnacle is between August and December.

Marine Life: Barracuda, Trevally, Anthea’s, Nudibranchs, Pipefish, Lionfish, Hydroids, Mantis Shrimp, Stonefish, Octopus, Flame File Shell.

Bougainville Reef

This Ribbon Reef is known for its vibrant coral gardens, which are home to a wide variety of fish and other marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of surgeonfish and snappers, as well as turtles, sharks, and rays. Bougainville Reef is best visited between August and December.

Marine Life: Barracuda, Lion fish, manta ray, cuttle fish, Grey whaler sharks, Blacktip reef sharks, Whitetip reef sharks, Blue Eye Trevally, turtles, Butterfly fish, Bump head parrot fish, Jack fish.

Steve’s Bommie

Named for the late Steve Irwin, this Ribbon Reef is home to an abundance of marine life, including giant clams, moray eels, and reef sharks. Divers can also expect to see a variety of colourful fish, including butterflyfish and angelfish. Steve’s Bommie is best visited between September and December.

Marine Life: Big Eye Trevally, Barracuda, Leafy Scorpionfish, Octopus, Nudibranchs, Pipefish, Stonefish, Wobbegong sharks, Mantis Shrimp, Flame File Shells, Anemonefish, Reef Sharks.

Ribbon Reef #3

This Ribbon Reef is home to a wide variety of coral and fish, including schools of barracuda and trevally, as well as turtles and sharks. Divers can also expect to see colorful nudibranchs and other small marine creatures. Ribbon Reef #3 is best visited between August and December.

Marine Life: Dolphins, Giant Trevally, Yellow tail fusiliers, black tipped reef sharks, Moorish idol, Hump nose unicorn fish, Dog face puffer fish, Parrot fish, Checkerboard wrasse, Giant clams.

Ribbon Reef #9

Located at the southernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef, Ribbon Reef #9 is known for its towering coral formations and clear water. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish and other marine life here, including sharks, rays, and turtles. Ribbon Reef #9 is best visited between September and December.

Marine Life: Tuna, Barracuda, Manta rays, Mackerel, Giant clams, Giant potato cod, Bumphead parrot fish, all sorts of sharks big and small, Lion fish, Trevally, Batfish, Moray eels.

Ribbon Reef #10

This Ribbon Reef is known for its stunning coral gardens, which are home to a wide variety of fish and other marine life. Divers can expect to see schools of colourful fish, including butterflyfish and angelfish, as well as sharks, rays, and turtles. Ribbon Reef #10 is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is between August and December.

Marine Life: Turtles, Manta ray, Dwarf Minke whales, Giant Potato Cod, Flowery Cod, Spine Cheek Anemonefish, Lionfish, Pygmy Sea Horse, Reef Sharks, Red Bass, Nudibranchs, Lacey Scorpionfish, Ghost Pipefish.

In general, the best time to visit the Ribbon Reefs is during the Australian winter months of June to November, when the water is at its clearest and the marine life is most active. Superyacht charters and liveaboard dive trips are always high in demand during the months of June and July due to the Minke whales, arrival on the Great Barrier Reef.

Each Ribbon Reef offers its own unique opportunities to witness the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.

When on your Port Douglas superyacht charter you can choose to go scuba diving with sharks, swimming with Dwarf minke whales or doing some big game fishing with each activity sure to be an unforgettable experience. From towering coral bommies to schools of colourful fish, these reefs are home to some of the most spectacular marine life in the world.

Speak to the YOTSPACE crew about an itinerary that includes visiting the Ribbons Reefs on your superyacht charter voyage of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas.

Learn more about the Ribbon Reefs as the perfect superyacht anchorage. 

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