Yongala Wreck Dive - Scuba Dive Yongala Wreck

YONGALA Wreck Dive - Scuba Dive Yongala Wreck

The is the world reknowned Yongala wreck dive - acknowledged as one of the world's greatest wreck dives.

The S.S. YONGALA sank in a cyclone on the 23rd March 1911. The wreck was not discovered for almost 50 years, not being positively identified until 1958. The wreck now lies on its starboard side in 14-28 metres of water. 109m long, Yongala is the largest and most intact, historic shipwreck in Australian waters and just 30 minutes by fast RIB (Yongala Express) from Alva beach at Ayr.

The wreck is an absolute wonder of marine life and mystery. The Yongala wreck dive represents much more than just another entry in your dive log. It is potentially the most captivating underwater experience that you will ever have.

Description

The 109 metre wreck lies on her starboard side 11 nautical miles (20 kilometres) east of Alva Beach near Ayr. The depth of water at the site is 14 metres at the shallowest point and 28 metres at the deepest. A large representation of the 1500 fish species and 350 species of coral known to inhabit the Great Barrier Reef can be found on Yongala which is now an artificial reef. Fish life on the wreck is many times more prolific than on a normal Great Barrier Reef dive. See Yongala photo gallery

The Yongala is an "Intermediate" divesite. Divers need to be comfortable in open ocean conditions that can be challenging in terms of current and sea state. Open Water divers will require a minimum of 6 dives and will need to complete Deep Dive training during the first dive. This training counts towards the PADI Advanced Diver qualification when the Advanced Manual is purchased.

Novice divers (with less than 20 dives) should ensure they have refreshed their skills within the last 6 months and will be guided by the experienced crew to ensure a safe, memorable and fun dive. More experienced and in date divers can choose to dive with a buddy or take an instructor guided tour at no extra cost.

The above schedule is a guide only and times may change depending on weather and tides.

It is important to call the Dive Shop between 3.30 - 5pm the day prior to your trip to confirm departure details.
Please bring travel voucher, money, a towel and warm jumper for the boat.

Please Note: if the dive boat is delayed for any reason we cannot guarantee you will make your bus connection in Ayr. Instead, we suggest you relax after your day's diving and stay overnight in our accommodation and leave the following day. Should you require we have frozen meals and internet vouchers available for purchase during your stay.

If you are undertaking dive training (such as adventure dives) then we definitely suggest staying overnight after your day's diving, this way there is no rush to complete knowledge reviews with your instructor before departing. Another option is to drop into the Dive Shop the afternoon prior to your trip and collect your paperwork which will give you extra time to complete your knowledge reviews prior to your dives.

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The Alva Beach Dive Centre and Divers Lodge

To enjoy the whole experience of the Yongala wreck, a stay at Yongala Lodge, part of the Dive Centre, is essential. Situated right on Alva Beach (16 kms from Ayr) and adjacent to the departure point the lodge is not only convenient but quaint and very comfortable. The Alva Beach Dive Centre and Divers Lodge is a fully renovated Queenslander set in a tropical garden and decorated to a high standard for your enjoyment and relaxation. The accommodation is spacious with a separate dining area, kitchen, lounge with TV/DVD and sun room. Bedrooms include two dorm style rooms sleeping 6 (with aircon) and 4 (with double bunk) and a separate Queen Room with its own tv and aircon. A BBQ/outside area is also available for relaxing. See full details of the Alva Beach Dive Centre and Divers Lodge

PADI Diver Training

PADI dive courses are run at the training centre. Courses available are:

PADI Open Water - 3 ½ days 1-2 days pool/theory - 2 shore dives, 2 reef dives (Dive Medical IAW AS 4005.1 mandatory)	$552
PADI Advanced Open Water Course - 2 ½ days 5 dives - 4 on the Yongala	$658
PADI Rescue Diver - 3 days Includes pool, theory and 4 dives on Yongala	$539
PADI Adventure and Enriched Air Courses Package 2 days, 4 Yongala dives. Includes: PADI Adventure Diver Certification PADI Enriched Air (nitrox) Specialty Diver Certification	$695
Advanced / Nitrox Package - 2 day - deep, wreck and nitrox - incl. Nitrox & Advanced Manuals	$733
PADI Divemaster - Internships available - 2-3 months

Accommodation at the Lodge can be booked extra for the course duration

See Lodge details for costs

Use the link at the bottom of the page for Wreck Dive or Dive Course Enquiries

NB* All prices include Tax.

Make an Enquiry

Enquiries and Reservations

Check availability of your preferred dates or other enquiries here:

Bookings - Deposit Only Required

Once your enquiry has been received we will confirm whether places are available on the dates that you have chosen. You will then receive directions for payment of a deposit to secure your place on the wreck dive or dive course. The balance owing is paid at the Dive Centre in Ayr when you arrive.

Deposits can be paid using our secure (SSL) booking form or by credit card via telephone.

Bookings must be made in advance.

Yongala Wreck Dive - Scuba Dive Yongala Wreck