Alma Bay is a sheltered shore entry site with easy shallow waters reaching just 9 metres at its deepest, making it a genuinely comfortable introduction to diving or snorkelling. Visibility ranges from 3 to 10 metres, and the mild current means you can take your time exploring without feeling rushed. The site regularly turns up an impressive variety of rays, including blue spot mask rays, cow tail rays, and shovelnose rays, alongside wobbegong and epaulette sharks resting on the bottom. Turtles, coral trout, and angelfish are also common sightings. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs if you move slowly and look closely.
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Visit between April and October for the most reliable conditions, and check for jellyfish before entering the water as they can be present at the site. The on-site dive shop can set you up with equipment rental and guided tours if you want an experienced eye to help you spot the smaller critters like nudibranchs.
The site is accessible by car with a small car park located above the beach. It can also be reached via the Translink Route 250 bus, which stops at "Armand Way" near the bay, a 5-minute ride from the ferry terminal. A sealed pathway leads from the road down to the beach.
The park area has good accessibility. The nearby Pleasure Divers dive shop has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
The primary hazard is dangerous stinging jellyfish ('stingers'), which are more frequent in the warmer months (November to May). A full-body lycra/stinger suit is strongly recommended during this season. Sharks are present in the ocean but are not noted as a specific threat at this site.
Depth
1-10m
Visibility
3-8m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
22-29°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Alma Bay in Arcadia, Magnetic Island has a depth range from 1 metre to 9 metres, making it an ideal shallow dive site for beginners. The shallow profile allows for extended bottom time whilst exploring the bay's diverse marine habitats. Shore entry and exit are straightforward in these comfortable depths.
Alma Bay is specifically suited for beginner divers, requiring only an Open Water certification. The site features gentle conditions with mild currents, shallow depths of 1-9 metres, and convenient shore access from Arcadia. Equipment rental and guided tours are available on site for less experienced divers.
Alma Bay is renowned for encounters with wobbegong sharks, epaulette sharks, and tawny nurse sharks. These bottom-dwelling species are commonly spotted during dives, particularly during night diving sessions when they become more active. The site's shallow sandy areas and reef structures provide ideal habitat for these docile shark species.
The best months for diving Alma Bay are April through October, when water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C and conditions are most stable. During this period, visibility typically ranges from 3 to 10 metres. The cooler months from May to September offer particularly good conditions with reduced stinger presence.
Night diving is permitted at Alma Bay and offers excellent opportunities to observe nocturnal species like wobbegong sharks, epaulette sharks, and tawny nurse sharks. The shallow depths of 1-9 metres and shore access make it a safe environment for night diving with appropriate experience. Local dive shops in Arcadia can arrange guided night diving tours.
Alma Bay features convenient shore entry directly from the beach in Arcadia, Magnetic Island, with no boat required. The site has parking facilities and toilets at the entry point. Divers can walk into the water from the sandy beach, making gear transport and entry straightforward for this beginner-friendly location.
The primary hazards at Alma Bay are jellyfish and sharks, though the shark species present (wobbegongs, epaulettes, and tawny nurse sharks) are generally docile. Jellyfish stingers are most prevalent during summer months from November to March, making the April to October diving season safer. Protective suits are recommended, particularly outside peak season.
Diving at Alma Bay in Arcadia (on Magnetic Island) requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Alma Bay in Arcadia (on Magnetic Island). Water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C.
