Challenger Bay
Challenger Bay is a small reef inside the southern end of Ribbon Reef No. 10, about 40 km south-east of Lizard Island, where liveaboards moor on the north-western corner. The reef top lies at about 5 m and the base at 8 to 12 m before a sandy slope runs down to 20 m or more, with garden eels on the sand. Gullies and nooks along the main reef hold plenty of fish; ten to twelve double-headed (humphead) parrotfish and many sweetlips were seen on one visit. Mike Ball also reports it as a first dive site on dwarf minke whale trips. Located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: Green (no-take) zones allow diving without a permit, but fishing and collecting are prohibited; tourism operators hold the park permits and the environmental management charge is passed on through the operator. Check the current zoning map before any non-operator visit.
Facts
- Region: Great Barrier Reef North
- Area: Northern Ribbon Reefs & Lizard Island
- Depth: 5–20 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: reef, wall
- Coordinates: -14.9158, 145.6907
- Highlights: garden eels, double-humped parrotfish, sweetlips, gullies
- Tips: Gentle site for the first or last dive; wander the gullies, but some are dead ends so backtrack as needed.