Steve's Bommie

Overview: Ribbon Reefs’ Pelagic Hotspot

Located on Ribbon Reef No. 3, Steve’s Bommie is an isolated, cylindrical underwater pinnacle that rises dramatically from a 33-metre seabed to within 5 metres of the ocean surface.

Named in memory of Steve, a beloved local divemaster who passed away in the 1980s, a memorial plaque rests on the reef at 25m. Because it sits completely detached from the main reef tract, it acts as a magnet for an extraordinary concentration of marine life.

Detailed Dive Route: The Spiral Ascent

• Descent: Down the shot line directly to the 30m base on the northern current-facing point.
• The Base & Critter Ledges (22m–30m): Circle the pinnacle scanning crevices for flame file shells, stonefish, and wobbegong sharks camouflaged on the sand.
• The Mid-Section (12m–20m): Massive schools of yellow-lined snappers, bigeye trevally, and barracuda swirl around the pinnacle in tight silver tornados.
• The Shallow Crown & Anemone City (5m–10m): Five distinct species of anemonefish (including clownfish and spine-cheek anemones) inhabit the top of the bommie, creating a world-class 5m safety stop.

Certification & Safety

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water (30m) recommended. Strong tidal currents can sweep around the pinnacle.

Technical Dive Profile & Navigation

1. Entry & Descent Mechanics

• Descent Method: Direct giant-stride or negative back-roll from the boat, descending along the shot line to prevent surface drift.
• Ear Equalization: Equalize continuously every 1 metre during the descent phase to prevent sinus or middle-ear barotrauma.
• Compass Heading & Navigation: Set a primary heading toward the main reef structure. Maintain buddy contact within 2 metres throughout the descent.

2. Deep Section & Gas Management (14m to 30m)

• NDL Discipline: At depths of 30m, your No-Decompression Limit ticks down rapidly. Monitor your dive computer continuously.
• The Craig Rule: Divers certified to Open Water level (18m maximum) must stay on the upper reef shelf and never follow advanced divers down past 18m.
• Turnaround Gas: Signal your buddy and start your ascent when the first diver reaches 110 bar (or one-third of usable cylinder capacity).

3. Ascent & 5m Safety Stop

• Ascent Rate: Ascend along the reef wall at a controlled rate not exceeding 9 metres per minute.
• Mandatory Safety Stop: Complete a strict 3-to-5-minute safety stop at 5 metres (15 feet) before deploying an SMB and surfacing with a 360-degree overhead scan.

Marine Life & Habitat Zones (Biologically Verified)

• Apex & Pelagic Predators: Giant Potato Cod (Epinephelus tukula), Humphead / Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), Grey Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos).
• Reef Fish & Keystone Species: Giant Clams (Tridacna gigas), Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris), Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus).
• Macro Biodiversity & Benthic Invertebrates: Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus), Flame File Shells (Limaria fragilis), Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus).
• Elasmobranchs & Marine Reptiles: Whitetip Reef Sharks, Green Sea Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, Seasonal Dwarf Minke Whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata).