Nestled within the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the iconic S.S. Yongala wreck beckons adventurous scuba divers. This UNESCO-listed site, where a 109-meter passenger steamer sank in 1911, now teems with vibrant marine life, offering a unique and captivating underwater experience. Participants can embark on a thrilling journey, exploring the wreck and its diverse ecosystem, which includes tropical fish, manta rays, and even the elusive whale shark. With guided open-water dives and on-board amenities, this excursion promises to immerse visitors in the wonders of this submerged paradise and leave them eager to uncover more.
Key Points
- The S.S. Yongala wreck offers a unique diving experience in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, home to diverse marine life.
- Guided dives are available for certified open water divers with a minimum of six logged dives, with additional support required for divers with less experience.
- The tour includes two open-water dives, with on-board amenities such as lunch and environmental education to enhance the diving experience.
- Participants must meet specific requirements, including disclosing personal details and assessing their physical fitness, before booking the tour.
- The tour departs from Townsville or Magnetic Island, with wheelchair-accessible transportation available, though the dive site may pose accessibility challenges.
Overview
The S.S. Yongala wreck, nestled within the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, beckons adventure-seeking certified divers to explore its bountiful underwater realm off the coast of Townsville, Australia.
This full-day excursion takes divers on a thrilling journey to the site, where they’ll experience two open-water dives. The wreck, which sank in 1911, has become a vibrant marine habitat, home to an abundance of tropical fish, manta rays, sea snakes, sea turtles, and even the elusive whale shark.
With a maximum group size of 21 participants, this tour offers an intimate and personalized diving experience, complete with knowledgeable guides and all necessary equipment provided.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Townsville.
Tour Details
On this full-day adventure, divers can experience two open-water dives within the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
During the dives, they’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of marine life, including tropical fish, manta rays, sea snakes, sea turtles, and even the elusive whale shark.
The maximum group size is 21 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
Throughout the day, divers will enjoy transport from Townsville or Magnetic Island, a delicious lunch on-board, and morning and afternoon tea.
An environmental education component is also included, providing valuable insights into the remarkable ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef.
Equipment and Guidance
Tanks, weights, and scuba equipment are provided for divers, depending on the option selected.
A dive guide is required for divers with less than 15 logged dives, for which an additional fee applies. Participants must have a minimum qualification of Open Water Diver with at least six logged dives prior to diving this site.
The equipment ensures divers are well-prepared for their adventure at the S.S. Yongala wreck.
The guided dives are crucial for less experienced divers, providing them with additional support and expertise. Adhering to the minimum dive qualifications helps ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
With the proper gear and guidance, divers can fully enjoy the stunning underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
Meeting and Departure
Participants meet at the Fuel Wharf, Mariners Peninsula, located in Townsville City, Queensland, Australia. Departures take place at 7:00 AM from Townsville and 7:50 AM from Magnetic Island, with the tour returning to the original departure points.
The meeting and departure schedule is as follows:
| Departure Location | Departure Time |
|---|---|
| Townsville | 7:00 AM |
| Magnetic Island | 7:50 AM |
| Return to Origin | — |
The tour provider offers wheelchair-accessible transportation, ensuring accessibility for all participants. With a timely departure and return to the original meeting point, guests can expect a seamless and well-organized experience throughout the day.
Dive Site Highlights
Divers can explore the remarkable wreck of the S.S. Yongala, a 109-meter passenger steamer that sank in 1911 off the coast of Townsville, Queensland.
This UNESCO-listed site is renowned for its abundant marine life, with tropical fish, manta rays, sea snakes, sea turtles, and even the occasional whale shark swimming among the wreckage.
The Yongala lies at a depth of 28 meters, making it an ideal destination for experienced divers seeking an awe-inspiring underwater adventure.
With its intact structure and diverse ecosystem, this wreck offers a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable resilience of the Great Barrier Reef’s marine environment.
Participant Requirements
To dive the S.S. Yongala wreck, participants must meet specific requirements.
Certified open water divers with a minimum of six logged dives are eligible to join this full-day adventure, as the site’s depth of 28 meters requires a certain level of diving experience.
For divers with less than 15 logged dives, a dive guide is mandatory at an additional cost.
The tour operator provides all necessary scuba equipment, including tanks and weights.
However, divers must disclose their height, weight, shoe size, logged dives, and last dive date when booking to ensure proper gear fitting.
With a moderate physical fitness level required, this UNESCO-listed dive site offers an unforgettable opportunity for certified divers to explore the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant marine life.
Accessibility and Safety
The tour operator offers wheelchair-accessible transportation for divers, though the dive site itself may pose challenges for individuals with limited mobility.
Plus, the company advises against participation for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions, as the moderate physical fitness level required could present risks.
Despite these considerations, the S.S. Yongala wreck dive is generally safe for qualified divers.
The tour includes guidance from experienced dive leaders, with a mandatory guide for those with fewer than 15 logged dives.
Proper safety equipment and environmental education are also provided.
Ultimately, divers must evaluate their own capabilities and medical fitness before booking this adventure on the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Booking and Cancellation
When booking the S.S. Yongala wreck dive experience, all passenger details like height, weight, shoe size, logged dives, and last dive date must be provided at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.
| Booking Details | Cancellation Policy | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| – Passenger details required at booking | – Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior | – Wheelchair accessible transportation available |
| – Minimum qualifications: Open Water Diver with at least 6 logged dives | – Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions | – Moderate physical fitness level required |
| – Additional dive guide fees for divers with less than 15 logged dives | – Bring necessary personal items (swimwear, towel, sun protection, etc.) | – All details must be provided at booking |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Depth of the S.S. Yongala Wreck?
The S.S. Yongala wreck lies at a depth of 15-28 meters (50-90 feet) below the surface of the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Townsville, Australia. This historic shipwreck is a popular dive site for certified divers.
Can I Take My Underwater Camera on the Dive?
Yes, participants can take their underwater camera on the dive. The tour provides all the necessary scuba equipment, including tanks and weights, allowing divers to focus on capturing the stunning marine life and wreck site with their personal camera.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Dive Computer?
No, you don’t need to bring your own dive computer. The tour provider includes scuba equipment like tanks and weights, and they’ll provide a dive guide who’ll bring a computer to monitor the group’s dive.
Can I Consume Alcohol Before the Dive?
No, it’s not recommended to consume alcohol before a dive. Alcohol can impair judgment, decrease coordination, and increase the risk of decompression sickness. The operator will likely prohibit diving if they suspect alcohol consumption to ensure the safety of all participants.
Is There an Option for a Single-Day Dive Package?
Yes, there’s a single-day dive package available. It includes two open-water dives, transportation, lunch, and refreshments. This option is suitable for certified divers with at least six logged dives prior to the dive.
Recap
Exploring the S.S. Yongala wreck on the Great Barrier Reef offers an unforgettable scuba diving experience.
Divers can discover the wreck’s vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, manta rays, and even whale sharks, while benefiting from guided dives, on-board amenities, and environmental education.
With proper participant requirements and safety measures in place, this UNESCO-listed site provides a thrilling underwater adventure within a protected marine park.