Yonge Reef is a shallow reef site located 60 kilometres from the coast, accessible only by boat. The site maintains a consistent depth of approximately 7 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres. Currents are moderate and can shift, requiring coordination with the boat skipper for entry and exit. Hazards include boat traffic, sharp coral, and surge. Stinging jellyfish may be present, particularly between November and March, so wearing a stinger suit is recommended. Species recorded around this area include potato bass, titan triggerfish, giant moray, whitetip reef sharks, wrasses, and various species of pufferfish, butterflyfish, and groupers.

The Cod Hole is a prominent site on the outer Ribbon Reefs, featuring a sloping reef wall that descends from 3 to 40 metres. The topography is defined by hard corals, sea fans, and bommies. Divers access this site exclusively by boat, with conditions often supporting drift dives due to moderate currents. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 40 metres. The site is suitable for intermediate divers who should remain aware of potential current changes and follow guide protocols. Water temperatures remain between 25 and 28C throughout the year. Protective suits are recommended to mitigate risks from jellyfish, particularly during the stinger season from November to May.

Clam Gardens at Lizard Island is a sheltered shore entry site featuring shallow reef topography. Depths range from 2 to 15 metres, with an average of 8 metres, making it suitable for beginners. The site is located within the protected anchorage of Watson's Bay. Visibility typically spans 10 to 25 metres, though conditions vary. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of mild currents and wind direction. Hazards include sharp coral, boat traffic, and the potential presence of stinging jellyfish, particularly from December to April. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, a rinse station, air fills, equipment rental, and guided tours.

Mermaid's Cove is a sheltered reef site located 50 metres from the shore of Lizard Island. Suitable for beginners, the site features depths ranging from 2 to 15 metres with an average of 9 metres. Divers and snorkellers can access the reef via boat or shore entry. Conditions are generally mild, with current described as mild and visibility typically between 10 and 30 metres. Hazards include boat traffic, jellyfish, sea urchins, sharp coral, and stonefish. Visitors should shuffle their feet when entering or exiting to avoid urchins and coral, wear a stinger suit for jellyfish protection, and remain vigilant for camouflaged stonefish on the reef.

Corner Beach 2 on Lizard Island offers a shallow reef environment ideal for beginners. Located 50 metres from the shore, this site features depths ranging from 1 to 8 metres with an average of 4 metres. The entry is from the beach, where visitors should shuffle their feet to avoid sharp coral and rocks. Sea urchins are present on the reef, so care should be taken when placing hands or feet. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 15 metres, and currents are generally mild. Facilities including parking, toilets, showers, and a rinse station are available. For the best experience, visit on calm, settled days following dry weather.

The Ribbon Reefs extend 80 kilometres along the outer Great Barrier Reef, featuring a diverse topography of walls, channels, and reef structures. Depths range from 5 to 40 metres, with an average of 20 metres. These sites are accessed exclusively by boat, typically via liveaboard or day charter from Port Douglas. Divers encounter moderate currents, particularly during incoming tides, which facilitate drift dives at locations such as Dynamite Pass and Cod Hole. Visibility varies from 0 to 40 metres. Water temperatures remain between 25 and 28C throughout the year. Due to the presence of deep water, strong currents, and sharp coral, this area is best suited for intermediate divers.

Rouge is a Ribbon Reef site offering a diverse topography that transitions from a shallow reef slope into a deeper drop-off. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. This site is strictly a boat dive, suitable for intermediate divers comfortable with drift diving and managing variable currents. Visibility typically ranges between 10 and 40 metres. Due to the potential for strong currents and down currents near the drop-off, solid buoyancy control is required. The site is accessible throughout most of the year, excluding July and August, and supports night diving.

Lighthouse Bommie is a standalone pinnacle rising from deeper water to within 5 metres of the surface. This site is suited to intermediate divers who can manage strong currents. The structure features colourful corals from the top to the base, with anemones and invertebrates inhabiting the lower nooks and ledges. Visibility varies significantly, ranging from 7 to 30 metres. Divers should be prepared for strong currents and maintain awareness of their position relative to the boat. Hazards include jellyfish and sharks. A full wetsuit is recommended for protection against stings, and divers should time their visit around slack water to ensure manageable conditions.