Bashful Bommie - Great Barrier Reef

Costao de Itaipu, for us, is all about slowing down. It’s a shallow spot, rarely deeper than six metres, which makes it perfect for longer bottom times and really focusing on the small stuff. We love it especially at night, when the place truly comes alive. Drop in and you’re immediately immersed in a different world – the flashlights pick out things you’d never spot during the day. We’re talking about finding sleeping parrotfish tucked into crevices, watching brittle stars unfurl their arms across rocks, and the sheer number of siri crabs scuttling over the sand. It’s not the place for big pelagics, but if you’re into macro life, this is your jam. Keep an eye out for those distinctive Blackberry Drupes clinging to the rocks, and we’ve often seen Brazilian red anemones glowing under our lights. The visibility averages around four metres, which sounds low, but it actually adds to that intimate, almost cave-like feel at night. It’s a fantastic site for photographers keen on patience and finding those unique nocturnal behaviours, or just for divers who appreciate a quiet, unhurried exploration.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.241300, 145.866600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Michaelmas and Upolu Cays

Best Time to Dive in Great Barrier Reef

The warmest water temperatures in Great Barrier Reef occur in February, averaging 29.5°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 25.0°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.4°C
  • February: 29.5°C
  • March: 29.2°C
  • April: 28.4°C
  • May: 26.9°C
  • June: 25.8°C
  • July: 25.1°C
  • August: 25.0°C
  • September: 25.4°C
  • October: 26.6°C
  • November: 27.7°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Great Barrier Reef

Nearest Dive Centres to Bashful Bommie

Marine Life in Great Barrier Reef

Home to 163 recorded species including 88 reef fish, 61 hard corals, 9 seagrass & algae, 2 sharks & rays, 1 starfish, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bashful Bommie

Based on average water temperature of 27.3°C, currents 17 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Bashful Bommie?
The maximum diving depth at Bashful Bommie is 16 meters. This reef structure stands about 18 meters from the sand, offering a good range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Bashful Bommie?
Divers at Bashful Bommie can expect to encounter a variety of marine life. The reef edge provides shelter for smaller coral reef fishes, while barramundi cod might be found hiding in the holes at the bottom of the reef wall. The walls themselves are fringed with beautiful sea fans, adding to the vibrant underwater scenery.
Is Bashful Bommie suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered a more challenging dive site?
Bashful Bommie is considered an intermediate dive site. While not overly challenging, its characteristics make it more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive Bashful Bommie for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Bashful Bommie for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Bashful Bommie?
The specific scuba diving certifications required for Bashful Bommie are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Bashful Bommie?
Divers at Bashful Bommie can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 15 meters. Information regarding typical current conditions at this site is not available in the provided data.