Scuba Dive the S.S. Yongala Wreck: Great Barrier Reef

Two dives on Australia's top wreck site, with all gear and meals included

Scuba dive the S.S. Yongala Wreck, a World Heritage site in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park ranked among the world's top ten wreck dives. Departing from Townsville, certified divers complete two dives on the historic wreck, which spans 15–29m below the surface and attracts giant Queensland gropers, sea turtles, eagle rays, reef sharks and vast schools of fish. Full equipment, lunch, refreshments and an experienced local crew are included. Divers with fewer than 15 logged dives must book a guide at an additional fee.

The experience

You need to be a certified Open Water Diver with at least six logged dives to book this dive, and the crew will ask for proof of certification on the day. The boat departs Townsville (or Magnetic Island if you're staying there) and heads to the wreck, a protected historic shipwreck that sits alone on the seafloor (the only large reef structure in the area), so marine life concentrates here. The wreck itself spans from 15 metres to 29 metres, giving you room to explore at different depths depending on your experience level.

You'll make two dives over the full day. The crew handles all the logistics: tanks, weights and scuba equipment are provided, and you'll get a Yongala history talk and environmental education before you enter the water. Between dives, the boat serves freshly prepared lunch and keeps iced water, cordial, tea and coffee available throughout. If you've logged fewer than 15 dives, a guide will accompany you underwater at an additional cost you arrange on the day. Divers with more experience can explore more independently. The marine life here is the draw: Queensland gropers, sea turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, giant trevally, reef sharks and schools of tropical fish are common sightings. During cooler months, humpback whales migrate through the area and surface near the site.

The full day runs ten hours from pickup to return. Bring swimwear, a towel, hat and sun protection. A light jumper helps in cooler months, and a camera is worth packing. The crew is experienced and trained in safety. They'll brief you on the wreck's layout and what to expect before you descend. You'll need to provide your height, weight, shoe size, number of logged dives and last dive date when you book.

What’s included

• Two certified dives on the wreck.
• full scuba equipment including tanks, weights and gear.
• lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
• Yongala history talk and environmental education.
• experienced local crew.
• transfer from Townsville or Magnetic Island to the dive site.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 21 · max 9 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteAU$ 70

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive

Is this one for you?Pickup from Townsville or Magnetic Island means you don't need a car to reach the wreck. The boat handles the journey and returns you at the end of the day, so the dive fits into a single day away from your accommodation.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What marine life will I see at the S.S. Yongala Wreck?

The wreck attracts Queensland gropers, sea turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, giant trevally, reef sharks and schools of tropical fish year-round. During cooler months, humpback whales migrate through the area and surface near the site. The wreck is the only large reef structure in the area, so marine life concentrates here.

Do I need a dive guide if I'm certified?

Divers with 15 or more logged dives can explore independently. If you have fewer than 15 logged dives, a guide is compulsory and costs extra, arranged directly with the crew on the day of your dive.

What's included in the full-day dive?

The package includes two certified dives on the wreck, all scuba equipment (tanks, weights and gear), lunch, refreshments throughout the day, a Yongala history talk and environmental education, and transfer from Townsville or Magnetic Island to the wreck site.

How deep is the S.S. Yongala Wreck?

The wreck spans from 15 metres to 29 metres below the surface, so you can explore at different depths depending on your certification level and experience.

What do I need to bring and what should I know before booking?

Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sun protection and a camera. You must be a certified Open Water Diver with at least six logged dives, and you'll need to provide your height, weight, shoe size, number of logged dives and last dive date at booking. Proof of certification is required on the day.