

Clowns Bommie is a boat-accessed pinnacle dive in Queensland that rewards intermediate divers with a wide depth range, from a shallow 5 metres down to 35 metres, with visibility regularly stretching to 50 metres. The site's name gives away its headline act: clown anemonefish are a reliable presence in the shallows. Work deeper and you're likely to encounter grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, and trevally patrolling the water column. Sea turtles, nudibranchs, and pipefish round out a diverse cast. Mild current keeps conditions manageable, but treat the bottom carefully as stonefish and lionfish both inhabit this site.
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The best visibility and shark activity typically align with the May to October season, so plan your trip accordingly. Before touching down on any sandy patch or rubble, take a moment to scan carefully for stonefish, which are well camouflaged and easy to miss.
The site is located on the northern Great Barrier Reef and is accessible only via liveaboard dive boats, typically departing from Cairns or Port Douglas.
Divers should be cautious of well-camouflaged stonefish and lionfish.
Depth
5-35m
Visibility
15-50m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
29-31°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Clowns Bommie in Queensland requires an Advanced Open Water certification due to depths reaching 35 metres. The site is classified as an intermediate dive and accessed by boat from Port Douglas. Open Water divers should not attempt the deeper sections of this site.
Clowns Bommie ranges from 5 metres at the shallowest point to 35 metres at maximum depth. The varied depth profile makes it suitable for multilevel diving with an Advanced certification. Visibility at the site ranges from 15 to 50 metres depending on conditions.
Clowns Bommie is known for clown anemonefish alongside grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks and sea turtles. The site also hosts schools of barracuda and trevally, with potentially dangerous species including stonefish and lionfish present. Divers should maintain awareness of their surroundings due to the presence of venomous species.
The optimal diving period for Clowns Bommie runs from May through October, covering the Australian dry season. Water temperatures during these months range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius with generally calmer conditions. Visibility is typically better during this period with mild currents prevailing.
Clowns Bommie requires boat access from Port Douglas, with no shore entry available. The site offers no onsite facilities, so all equipment and services must be arranged through dive operators. There is no entry fee to dive the site.
The primary hazards at Clowns Bommie include the 35-metre maximum depth requiring advanced training and the presence of venomous stonefish and lionfish. Divers must maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with marine life and should never touch the reef or sandy bottom where stonefish camouflage themselves. Proper depth management and air consumption monitoring are essential given the deep profile.
Clowns Bommie is not suitable for beginners as it requires Advanced Open Water certification and is classified as an intermediate dive site. The maximum depth of 35 metres and presence of hazardous marine life require solid diving skills and experience. Newly certified divers should gain more experience at shallower sites before attempting Clowns Bommie.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Clowns Bommie in Port Douglas. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at Clowns Bommie in Port Douglas. Water temperatures range from 29°C to 31°C.
Clowns Bommie in Port Douglas has depths ranging from 5 metres to 35 metres.
A typical dive at Clowns Bommie in Port Douglas lasts approximately 50 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.