Split Bommie, Hastings Reef - Great Barrier Reef

Turtle Reef, despite its slightly misleading name – we’ve never seen a turtle here, and honestly, we’re not expecting one – is a really solid dive for anyone looking for pretty corals and interesting critters. It’s not deep, topping out at about 18 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to drift over the gently sloping reef. We love this site for its hard coral variety; there are some beautiful formations, home to an impressive collection of smaller reef fish. You’ll see Indo-Pacific sergeants darting amongst the coral heads and groups of manini weaving through the branches. Keep an eye out for the more unusual shells too – we’ve spotted granular frog shells and various cowries, including the beautiful carnelian cowry, tucked into crevices. The visibility averages around 19 metres, which is decent enough to appreciate the details without feeling like you’re in an aquarium. It’s a wonderfully relaxed dive, perfect for photographers or divers who just want to take their time exploring a vibrant, healthy reef system.

Location
Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-16.529200, 145.990600
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 Split Bommie, Hastings 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 Split Bommie, Hastings 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Split Bommie, Hastings Reef, and are there any shallow areas for beginners?
At Split Bommie, Hastings Reef, the maximum diving depth is 13 meters. This site is particularly well-suited for beginners and snorkelers, offering plenty of shallow waters to explore comfortably.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to encounter at Split Bommie, Hastings Reef?
Divers at Split Bommie, Hastings Reef can expect a vibrant array of marine life. You'll likely encounter clown fish, good schooling pelagics, and friendly black and white tip reef sharks. In the shallows, look out for schools of striped sergeant major fish and parrot fish, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing.
Is Split Bommie, Hastings Reef, considered a good dive site for beginner divers or is it more challenging?
Split Bommie, Hastings Reef is considered an excellent dive site for beginner divers, offering shallow waters that are ideal for those just starting out. While it's sometimes categorized as intermediate, its maximum depth of 13 meters and calm conditions make it very accessible and enjoyable for new divers and snorkelers.
When is the best time of year or what weather conditions are ideal for diving Split Bommie, Hastings Reef?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year or ideal weather conditions for diving at Split Bommie, Hastings Reef. For general information on optimal diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What level of dive certification is required to dive at Split Bommie, Hastings Reef?
While the specific certification level required isn't explicitly stated, given that Split Bommie, Hastings Reef is ideal for beginner divers and has a maximum depth of 13 meters, an Open Water Diver certification would typically be sufficient. This allows divers to fully enjoy the shallow, accessible areas of the site.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Split Bommie, Hastings Reef?
At Split Bommie, Hastings Reef, divers can generally expect good visibility, averaging around 13 meters. However, the provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions at this dive site.