Ribbon Number Five Reef - Great Barrier Reef

Ribbon Number Seven Reef isn't the blockbuster many expect from the Outer Reefs, but it's a solid, reliable dive if you're exploring the northern sections. We’ve had some pleasant drifts along the reef edge here, often spotting some sizeable pelagics passing through – Black Marlin aren’t unheard of in season. The coral formations themselves are healthy, with good coverage of table and staghorn corals. Keep an eye out for the resident Humpback Groupers and the occasional Spangled Emperor cruising the bommies. It’s a good choice for divers who appreciate a quiet, less crowded site where the marine life feels a bit more natural and unpressured.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-15.357880, 145.783300
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

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 Ribbon Number Five Reef

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 Ribbon Number Five Reef

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