Other marine life
Olive sea snake
Aipysurus laevis
IUCN status: Least concern
A large, curious sea snake common on the Ribbon Reefs and a signature of sites like the Snake Pit and Two Towers. Venomous but rarely aggressive; individuals sometimes investigate divers and camera housings. Air-breathing, so seen at the surface and throughout the water column.
- Max size
- Up to ~2m
- Habitat
- Coral reef; forages over reef flats and around bommies
Best places to dive with Olive sea snake
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Ribbon Reefs & Cod Hole
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Resident year-round on the Ribbon Reefs; not seasonal. Commonly seen, particularly at exposed reef sites; encounters vary dive to dive.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Olive sea snake (Aipysurus laevis) — Wikipedia
- Ribbon Reefs dive sites (Snake Pit, Two Towers) — Spirit of Freedom