Manta Ray Bommie

Manta Ray Bommie is a celebrated dive site in the waters off North Stradbroke Island near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. As its name promises, this beginner-friendly site is one of the most reliable locations in southeast Queensland to encounter manta rays, making it a bucket-list dive for underwater wildlife enthusiasts. The site centers on a coral bommie rising from the sandy seabed in Moreton Bay Marine Park. This isolated reef structure functions as a cleaning station, where manta rays visit to have parasites removed by small cleaner wrasses and shrimp. The cleaning station relationship is one of the most fascinating behaviors in the marine world, and watching a manta ray with a wingspan of several meters glide in and hover motionless while tiny fish work over its body is an unforgettable spectacle. Manta ray encounters are most frequent during the warmer months from November through May, when the rays move into the area to feed on the plankton blooms that enrich the waters. Individual mantas can often be identified by the unique pattern of spots on their undersides, and regular visitors may become recognizable to frequent divers. The bommie itself supports a healthy marine community that provides excellent diving even when the mantas are not present. Leopard sharks rest on the surrounding sand, grey nurse sharks may be spotted in the area seasonally, and the reef structure hosts a colorful array of subtropical fish, invertebrates, and coral growth. Wobbegong sharks, moray eels, and octopus add interest to every dive. Conditions are generally beginner-friendly, with moderate depths and typically manageable currents around the bommie. Visibility ranges from 8 to 20 meters, with the best clarity during calm weather periods. Water temperatures range from 19 to 27 degrees seasonally. Access is by boat from North Stradbroke Island or the mainland. Manta Ray Bommie delivers one of Australia's most accessible large marine animal encounters, combining the thrill of manta sightings with reliable reef diving in the subtropical waters of southeast Queensland.