Tour Highlights
- Scuba dive on one of the Top 5 Wreck Dives in the World, the S.S. Yongala on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- S.S. Yongala 1 day dive trips now available from Townsville and Magnetic Island for certified open water divers.
- On your 1 day S.S. Yongala ship wreck dive you have the opportunity for 2 certified dives to see some of the most magnificent marine life in the ocean with species not seen in other parts of the world.
- The S.S. Yongala ship wreck has been under the ocean for 109 years and is home to Queensland Gropers, Giant Trevally, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Turtles and other large reef fish along with magnificent vibrant coral towers.
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Full day trip including 2 certified dives on the spectacular Yongala Wreck
- Mooring fees
- Site briefings
- Environmental education
- Experienced, Professional, Fun and Safe crew with a passion for the marine environment
- Tanks and weights and all scuba equipment
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Buffett Style Lunch with Yongala History Talk
- All reef levies and Mooring Fees
- Unlimited coffee, tea, cold water and cordial
Townsville dive tours to the S.S. Yongala wreck on a day tours for Certified Open Water Divers.
What to Expect
Join us for an unforgettable dive to the S.S. Yongala, Australia’s premier shipwreck dive site, accessible from Townsville and Magnetic Island. Renowned worldwide among diving enthusiasts, this one-day tour caters to certified open water scuba divers looking to explore a piece of maritime history enveloped by the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.
Features and Highlights
Historic Dive Site:
- Ship Details: The S.S. Yongala, a 110m steel-hulled passenger ship, sank in 1911 during a cyclone and lies beautifully preserved near Cape Bowling Green. The wreck starts at 15m below the surface, extending down to 29m, making it accessible for various diving skill levels.
- Protected Site: Designated under the Historic Shipwreck Act (1976), the wreck is not only a dive site but also a protected area that preserves countless artefacts and an abundant array of marine life.
Rich Biodiversity:
- Marine Life: The Yongala wreck is encrusted with corals and home to a diverse ecosystem, including species not found anywhere else in the world. Divers can expect to see vibrant coral gardens, schools of fish, and frequent visits by sea turtles, rays, and giant groupers.
Dive Tour Itinerary:
- Morning Start: Depart from Townsville Breakwater Marina at 7:00 AM or catch the ferry from Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island at 7:50 AM.
- Detailed Dive Briefings: Upon arrival at the site, participate in a comprehensive dive briefing to ensure safety and enhance your wreck exploration experience.
- Two Dive Sessions: Dive the Yongala twice, first at 11:15 AM and again at 1:00 PM after a BYO lunch break, providing ample time to fully experience the awe-inspiring underwater scenery.
- Convenient Return: After your dives, head back to Nelly Bay by 4:45 PM and Townsville by 5:10 PM, allowing for a full day of adventure with minimal rush.
Logistics and Planning:
- Schedule Note: The outlined schedule serves as a guide and may vary slightly on the day of the tour. This ensures the best possible conditions for each dive session.
- Transportation: With departures every Wednesday and Saturday, the tour is easily accessible for both local and visiting divers. Ensure timely arrival by catching appropriate ferries based on the detailed timeline provided.
Embark on a journey to the S.S. Yongala for a dive that promises not just a glimpse into a historical voyage but an immersion into an underwater sanctuary teeming with life. This tour is a must-do for any diver looking to tick off a bucket list location, offering a spectacular blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Join us to discover why the Yongala is celebrated as one of the world’s most impressive wreck dives.
View the MOUA Underwater art installation dive and snorkel tour just off Townsville.
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Townsville city
Departure Time
- 7:00am Townsville Breakwater Marina
- 7:50am Magnetic Island
Departure Instructions
- Townsville Boarding Point: The Townsville Breakwater Marina at 7:00am, there is a map below for your information. The boat departs Townsville at 7:30am. Returns to Townsville at approximately 5:15pm.
- Parking: Along the Strand or side streets along the Strand or full day paid parking at the Sealink Ferry Terminal starting at $8AUD for standard vehicles (approx. 15m walk to meeting point)
- Magnetic Island Boarding Point: Please meet at Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal at 7:50am.
Destinations
S.S. Yongala Wreck site
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Wednesday, Friday
Closed Christmas Day
Duration
Full Day tour – Approximately 9 hours
7.00am to 5.00pm
Available for Purchase / Hire
- $10ea Shared Dive Guide (Mandatory for divers with less than 15 logged dives)
- $25ea Adventure Dives/ $295 PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
- Nitrox Tanks $25ea
Fitness Level Required
Active
IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS
Scuba Diving Restrictions
- Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
- Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
- Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
- Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.
Child Policy
- Minimum age 12
- Children under 12 no diving
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Operators policy:
Cancellation Fees:
Day trips: 0% with more than 14 days notice, 20% with 48 hours - 14 days notice, 100% with less than 48 hours notice
Liveaboard/ Courses: 0% with more than 30 days notice, 20% with 8 days - 30 days notice, 100% with less than 8 days notice
Reschedule Fees:
Day Trips 0% Admin Fee as a standby passenger, 0% with more than 14 days notice, 20% with 48 hours - 14 days notice
Liveaboards: 0% Admin Fee as a standby passenger, 0% with more than 30 days notice, 20% with 48 hours - 30 days notice
Courses: $0 Admin Fee as a standby, $300 for rescheduling Pool Session private session, $160 for rescheduling Pool Session minimum 2 students
PASSENGER NUMBERS
All trips require a minimum passenger number before confirmation.
From
au$489.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$439.00
Family: au$1,856.00
Tour Code: 815
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