Lighthouse Bommie

For most of the year Lighthouse Bommie is a lovely Ribbon Reef tower: turtles wedged into ledges, olive sea snakes threading the coral, rays passing over the sand. In June and July it becomes something stranger. Dwarf minke whales seek out the moored boats here, and under the marine park's encounter rules divers hang on surface lines while the whales choose the distance, often closing to a few meters and staying for hours. No one baits or pursues them; the initiative is entirely the animals', which is what makes the experience so unusual in wildlife diving.

The moment you come for: Dwarf minke whale encounters in June-July, olive sea snakes, resident turtles, easy pinnacle profile

Topography: Narrow pinnacle off Ribbon Reef No. 10 rising from about 30 m

Current: Generally forgiving; minke encounters happen on lines and at the surface where current matters little.

Hazards: Excitement management around large whales; hold the line and let them come.

Permits & rules: In-water minke encounters are legal only with endorsed operators following the approach code.

Nitrox: Worth it here: profiles sit in the range where enriched air meaningfully extends no-stop time (with the training to use it).