409 Dive Log Australasia December 24

Spoilt on the Ribbbons

Article & Photos by Dr. Terry and Cathie Cummins. A young Terry Cummins first dived the Ribbon Reefs in the 1980s and I am sure what I saw confirmed in my heart that I wanted to make scuba and snorkelling a major part of my life. After 40 years of numerous visits the fascination with the Ribbons has not worn off. The Ribbons are a series of ten coral reefs located off the far north coast of Queensland, Australia, in the Coral Sea (see map). They are a significant part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) and part of the world’s largest coral reef system. The Ribbons form a chain of 10 individual reefs beginning just south of Cooktown or 250 kms north of Cairns and extending 120 kms to the east of Lizard Island. The individual Ribbons average between 50 -100 kms offshore, along the outer edge of the Continental Shelf. The dive sites are only explorable by vessel out of Lizard Island, Cooktown or more commonly out of Cairns. For the serious diver, the best way to visit the Ribbons is to book on one of the two highly regarded dive vessels that regularly visit the area (i.e. Mike Ball Dive Expeditions’ – Spoilsport or Entrada’s - Spirit of Freedom). Both vessels are members of Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs Operators Association (CHARROA) which also regulates the usage and condition of the moorings in the area.

A typical dive trip to the Ribbons is 3 to 4-days with the opportunity to fly to Lizard Island and join your dive vessel for the voyage down to Cairns or do it in reverse. An attractive 7-day option is to include the Ribbons in your adventure to the Coral Sea to dive the magnificent Osprey, Bougainville and Holmes reefs. The level of service, staff and meals on these live abroad vessels is second to none. For example, on Spoilsport with the iconic skippers like Trevor Jackson and Peter the pirate Conlon, along with the highly knowledgeable trip directors and crew you are in good

Schooling Barracuda

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