

Manta Bommie earns its name when manta rays cruise in to use the bommie as a cleaning station, though the site reliably delivers a range of large animals regardless of what shows up on any given dive. Depths run from 3 to 16 metres, so most of the action is accessible without pushing your limits. Visibility swings considerably, anywhere from 3 to 30 metres depending on conditions, and the strong current that sweeps the bommie is precisely what draws the mantas and eagle rays. Leopard sharks, wobbegong sharks, guitar sharks, bull rays, turtles, and octopus round out the cast, with nudibranchs and crayfish tucked into the reef structure for those who look closely.
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Time your dive around slack water if you can, as the current here can be genuinely challenging and will dictate where on the bommie you can comfortably hold position. November through May gives you the best overall conditions and the highest likelihood of manta ray activity.
The site is accessed via a boat trip, typically around 10 minutes from the dive centre at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island. Operators like Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre run regular trips.
Access is exclusively by boat from Point Lookout.
The primary hazards are strong currents and surge. Divers need to be comfortable with these conditions and potentially free ascents. Bull sharks are also seen in the area.
Depth
3-16m
Visibility
3-30m
Skill Level
Intermediate
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
20-26°C
Current
Strong
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Nov, Dec
Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland is renowned for manta ray encounters, with the site named after these graceful giants. Divers regularly spot leopard sharks, wobbegong sharks, bull rays, eagle rays and guitar sharks around the bommie structure. Turtles and octopus are also frequently observed throughout the dive site.
Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie requires an Open Water certification as a minimum qualification. The site reaches depths between 3 and 16 metres and features strong currents that demand intermediate diving skills. Divers must be comfortable with drift diving and managing navigation in challenging current conditions.
The Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie dive site in Queensland ranges from 3 metres at the shallowest point to a maximum depth of 16 metres. This moderate depth profile makes it accessible to intermediate divers whilst providing adequate bottom time for manta ray encounters. The bommie structure rises from the surrounding sandy bottom creating varied depths for exploration.
The optimal diving season at Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie runs from November through May, spanning the Australian summer and early autumn. During these months, water temperatures range from 20 to 26 degrees Celsius with visibility between 3 and 30 metres. This extended season provides consistent conditions for manta ray sightings and encounters with other pelagic species.
Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie experiences strong currents that require intermediate diving skills and proper dive planning. The current strength attracts manta rays and pelagic species to the site but demands confident buoyancy control and awareness. Divers should be prepared for drift diving conditions and maintain close contact with their dive guide throughout the dive.
Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland is exclusively a boat dive site with no shore access available. Boat charters operate from local dive shops providing transport to the site along with equipment rental and air fills. The offshore location requires professional boat services to navigate to the bommie structure safely.
Facilities for Eastern Reach - Manta Bommie include dive shops, equipment rental, air fills, guided tours and boat charter services through Southern Queensland operators. Showers are available at the dive facilities for post-dive use. There is no entry fee charged for diving this Queensland site.
Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland is best suited for divers with some experience. You should be comfortable with your buoyancy and have logged at least 10 to 20 dives.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland. Water temperatures range from 20°C to 26°C.
Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland has depths ranging from 3 metres to 16 metres.
A typical dive at Manta Bommie in Southern Queensland lasts approximately 45 minutes. Actual dive time depends on depth, air consumption, and conditions.