SS Yongala Wreck Dive
Select Date and Passengers
Itinerary
2 Dives Included
Group Leader
Onboard PADI Dive Instructors
Experience
Historic Shipwreck
Marine Life
Great Barrier Reef
Scuba Dive
Experience For Certified Divers
Transport
Speedy Boat Ride
Locations
Fascinating Underwater Location
Group
Maximum Of 12 Divers
Overview
Experience the dive of a lifetime at the SS Yongala Wreck in the Great Barrier Reef! In this epic, full-day adventure, you’ll get to participate in 2 dives amongst the flourishing marine life of this mysterious shipwreck.
Recommended for experienced divers only, this tour includes a 30-minute boat ride departing from Alva Beach, QLD. Then you’ll get to spend all day learning about the history of the SS Yongala, exploring the depths of the wreck, and witnessing a diverse array of fascinating sea creatures.
- Scuba diving tour of SS Yongala Wreck with 2 dives
- Explore one of the most incredible dive sites in Australia
- Small group tour with experienced local staff
- See a wildly diverse underwater ecosystem full of marine life
Your Sample Itinerary
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The VesselDepart Alva Beach around 7:30 am aboard the Yongala Express, a dive boat that can travel at high speeds of around 25 knots! As one of the quickest ways to reach the SS Yongala, the speedy Yongala Express will deliver you to the dive site in 30-40 minutes, ensuring you have plenty of time to cover some ground underwater. This tour only takes a maximum of 12 divers, so you’ll have an intimate and safe diving experience! |
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Scuba DivingWith experienced local guides and strict minimum requirements, this small-group tour will set up passionate scuba divers for a day of success. Deep dive training is required for all Open Water Divers during the first dive at the wreck to ensure the best possible experience. The PADI Dive Instructor will teach essential underwater skills so everyone can explore SS Yongala to the fullest. Experienced divers can take a guided tour at no extra cost, or they can choose to dive with a buddy. So if you’re a well-versed diver looking to explore one of Australia’s best underwater sites, this is the tour for you. |
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SS YongalaThe massive steamship, SS Yongala, sank in 1911 during a vicious cyclone on the Great Barrier Reef. When the ship was finally found on the ocean floor in 1958, researchers could not figure out how the mighty vessel sank. It’s still a mystery to this day! The SS Yongala is not only one of the worst maritime tragedies in Australian history, but it is also the largest intact shipwreck to be found in Australia's oceans. At 109 metres long, this historic shipwreck offers an abundance of underwater pathways to explore! |
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Corals and Tropical FishBecause SS Yongala has rested 14 metres below the surface for over 100 years, the wreck has become one with the Great Barrier Reef’s seascape. Divers can witness an astonishing array of colorful corals growing on the sunken ship, as well as numerous other sea plants and creatures. Maori Wrasse, Giant Trevally, Queensland Groper, and Chevron Barracudas are just some of the tropical fish that frequent the SS Yongala Wreck! |
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Other Marine CreaturesIn addition to local fish, there are other unique creatures you may see during your dives in the SS Yongala. Moray eels and bull sharks may make an appearance, and various types of sea turtles, stingrays, and manta rays are often frolicking through the dive site. Though you are not guaranteed to see anything, of course, the SS Yongala is famous for its rich marine life and there is a good chance you will see some if not all of the species listed! |
What's Included?
- Qualified local guides with plenty of experience
- Speedy 30-minute boat ride to the dive site
- 2 dives at SS Yongala Wreck
- Brief discussion about Yongala history and marine life
- Snacks and water on board the vessel
- Tanks, weights, taxes included in total price
What's Extra?
- Gear hire is $40 for the day (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins and mask)
- Nitrox fills also available (enquire for cost)
- $25 "deep dive training" required for all Open Water divers, payable directly to Yongala Dive on the day
Important Information
- THE TOUR DEPARTS FROM ALVA BEACH, QLD
- The minimum age for this dive is 15 years.
- Minimum requirements: You must hold an Open Water certification with 6 logged dives and deep dive training to dive with Yongala Dive. Open Water divers must complete Deep Orientation dive (underwater skills) with a PADI Dive Instructor during the 1st dive at the wreck (extra cost applies). This may be counted towards the PADI Advanced course at extra costs (textbook required). The more experienced divers can choose to dive with a buddy or take a guided tour at no extra cost.
- Please Bring your Dive Certification Card.
- Novice divers (those with less than 20 dives) should refresh their skills within six months before a Yongala Wreck dive, and will be provided with a dive guide or may be required to take a Deep Orientation dive (extra cost applies).
- Check-in: S.S. Yongala trip departs from Yongala Dive shop at 36 Braby Street, Alva Beach, Ayr. Please meet at the dive shop at 7.30 am to get ready. The day finishes approx. 3.30pm.
- Confirmation: To confirm departure details and weather conditions please call us between 3.30 – 5pm on the day before your trip.
- Tour operator cancellations: If a trip is cancelled by us for any reason, a full refund will be provided if you are unable to reschedule your trip. No refunds will be provided for cancellations by passengers within 48 hours of departure.
- Due to the location of the wreck we will be moored in open water therefore please note that surface conditions can be choppy and moderate currents may be experienced. Please take appropriate medication before departure if you suffer from seasickness.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our Terms and Cancellations Policy before booking your tour.
Customer Reviews
Julia Tsimoshynsky
Aug, 23 2024
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Loved the experience- the crew were super friendly and accommodating. Callum took good care of us and we saw a lot of amazing wild life around the wreck.