[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":295},["ShallowReactive",2],{"leaderboard-total":3,"spot-seo-lady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie":9,"spot-lady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie":51},{"entries":4,"total":5,"period":6,"type":7,"generated_at":8},[],0,"all_time","reports","2026-10-03T06:32:05.526386Z",{"title":10,"description":11,"canonical_url":12,"og_image":13,"structured_data":14,"breadcrumbs":44},"Snorkeling Conditions at Lady Elliot Island - Manta Ray Bommie - How's the Spot","Check snorkeling conditions at Lady Elliot Island - Manta Ray Bommie, Queensland. Excellent conditions, water 23.1°C, waves 0.09m","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fspots\u002Flady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_lady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie_3_d504d5cce574.jpg",[15,28],{"@context":16,"@type":17,"name":18,"description":19,"url":12,"geo":20,"address":24},"https:\u002F\u002Fschema.org","Place","Lady Elliot Island - Manta Ray Bommie","Manta Ray Bommie, also known as the Lighthouse Bommies, is a celebrated snorkel and dive site on the western side of Lady Elliot Island at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. A cluster of c...",{"@type":21,"latitude":22,"longitude":23},"GeoCoordinates",-24.11288,152.714019,{"@type":25,"addressRegion":26,"addressCountry":27},"PostalAddress","Queensland","Australia",{"@context":16,"@type":29,"name":30,"description":11,"url":12,"breadcrumb":31},"WebPage","Snorkeling Conditions at Lady Elliot Island - Manta Ray Bommie",{"@context":16,"@type":32,"itemListElement":33},"BreadcrumbList",[34,39,42],{"@type":35,"position":36,"name":37,"item":38},"ListItem",1,"Home","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com",{"@type":35,"position":40,"name":26,"item":41},2,"https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fexplore?region=queensland",{"@type":35,"position":43,"name":18,"item":12},3,[45,47,49],{"label":37,"href":46},"\u002F",{"label":26,"href":48},"\u002Fexplore?region=queensland",{"label":18,"href":50},"\u002Fspots\u002Flady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie",{"id":52,"name":18,"slug":53,"latitude":22,"longitude":23,"description":54,"difficulty":55,"image_url":13,"status":56,"tide_constituents":57,"hazard_entries":108,"access_info_structured":221,"area_boundary":113,"routes":113,"created_at":231,"updated_at":232,"today_conditions":233,"today_verdict_view":253,"images":278,"submitted_by":292,"region_name":26,"verification_status":294,"verified_at":113,"disputed":276,"verifier_count":5,"last_verified_display_name":113},"54bb0f05-293a-4dbf-8052-9883b3f85920","lady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie","Manta Ray Bommie, also known as the Lighthouse Bommies, is a celebrated snorkel and dive site on the western side of Lady Elliot Island at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. A cluster of coral bommies sitting in 14 metres of crystal-clear water, this site is a world-famous manta ray cleaning station where reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) glide in to be serviced by cleaner wrasse. Nutrient-rich upwellings from the nearby Capricorn Eddy fuel abundant plankton, drawing mantas year-round with peak concentrations between May and September. Green turtles, cowtail rays, shovel-nosed sharks, trevally, and clouds of glassfish animate the bommies, while visibility often exceeds 20 metres. Snorkellers can join guided boat-based safaris to hover above the bommies and watch the gentle giants perform dramatic aerial swoops and barrel rolls just metres away.","intermediate","published",{"name":58,"amplitude":74,"phase":90,"latitude":22,"model":106,"epoch":107},[59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73],"2N2","J1","K1","K2","M2","M4","MF","MM","N2","O1","P1","Q1","S1","S2","T2",[75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89],0.021171416265891287,0.01330207947715417,0.2235904170400334,0.06232756678456673,0.6348776377612321,0.00768632376709213,0.0038302270330832764,0.003667452192013077,0.14528056866407554,0.11903684592801346,0.06218039215269794,0.023181310806761765,0.007328096386798247,0.2091719951666325,0.013364476801909032,[91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105],287.79106665009294,20.35135440359862,4.297613811027122,301.99837214179564,307.1153425463889,259.7779170715329,1.7663238003261426,62.905805846817834,298.94596344041986,335.807751640817,358.1233435620038,317.66018317075685,332.09298923369454,306.65616868441407,317.7841483233186,"EOT20","1992-01-01T00:00:00Z",[109,114,119,122,126,129,132,136,139,142,145,149,152,155,158,162,165,168,172,175,178,181,184,187,190,193,196,199,202,205,208,212,215,218],{"name":110,"description":111,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal currents","The site is on the western side and can experience moderate to strong tidal currents, especially during changing tides. Dives are often conducted as drifts.","caution",null,{"name":115,"description":116,"severity":112,"season_start":117,"season_end":118},"Marine stingers","Marine stingers (box jellyfish) may be present in the warmer months (October to May). Stinger suits are recommended.",5,10,{"name":120,"description":121,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Boat traffic","The site is at 18 m depth with a sandy bottom; boat traffic in the area requires surface awareness during ascents.",{"name":123,"description":124,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Turbulent water at the Blowhole","The blowhole and rocky gutters create turbulent water conditions, especially at higher tides.",12,{"name":127,"description":128,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Deep water over bommie (14 m)","Marine Bommie sits at 14 m depth. Snorkellers must be comfortable in deeper water and capable of freediving or surface snorkelling over a submerged reef structure.",{"name":130,"description":131,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine wildlife encounters (manta rays, reef sharks)","Lady Elliot Island is a known aggregation site for manta rays and also hosts resident reef sharks. Though generally harmless, snorkellers should maintain respectful distance.",{"name":133,"description":134,"severity":135,"season_start":36,"season_end":117},"Marine stingers (jellyfish)","Stinger season in tropical Queensland waters, with box jellyfish and Irukandji present. Stinger suits are recommended during these months.","warning",{"name":137,"description":138,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tide-dependent access (low tide closure)","The lagoon is only deep enough for snorkeling a few hours either side of high tide. At low tide it becomes too shallow to swim and coral may be exposed.",{"name":140,"description":141,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sharp coral — reef shoes recommended","The lagoon is accessible only via marked entry points. Entering outside these areas may involve walking over sharp coral rubble.",{"name":143,"description":144,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sun exposure","The sun on the shallow lagoon can be intense, with high UV exposure and reflection off the sandy bottom.",{"name":146,"description":147,"severity":112,"season_start":117,"season_end":148},"Wind chop and swell","East Australian Current upwelling and wind can create choppy surface conditions, particularly in winter (May-September).",9,{"name":150,"description":151,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Boat access only","The site is accessed by boat only — no shore entry. Snorkellers must be comfortable entering and exiting from a vessel in open water.",{"name":153,"description":154,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine life interaction","Manta rays and other marine life are wild animals; close encounters require calm, non-touching behaviour to avoid startling or injuring them.",{"name":156,"description":157,"severity":135,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Depth (14-19m)","The site is at 14-19m depth, beyond the comfortable range for casual snorkelers. Only experienced snorkelers who can freedive or divers should attempt this site.",{"name":159,"description":160,"severity":112,"season_start":117,"season_end":161},"Manta Ray Season - Crowded Waters","Manta ray season (May–August) brings larger marine life that, while non-aggressive, can startle inexperienced snorkelers if approached too closely.",8,{"name":163,"description":164,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Reef shark presence","Blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks are present in the shallows, especially during summer. While generally harmless to humans, their presence requires calm, respectful behaviour.",{"name":166,"description":167,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal lagoon access","The main lagoon snorkeling area is only accessible 2 hours either side of high tide, limiting entry windows.",{"name":169,"description":170,"severity":135,"season_start":171,"season_end":161},"Strong currents","Ocean currents around the cay can be strong, especially outside the protected lagoon area.",6,{"name":173,"description":174,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sharp coral","Shallow coral formations can cause cuts and abrasions; reef shoes are recommended.",{"name":176,"description":177,"severity":135,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong tidal currents","Tidal flows around the coral cay can create strong currents, especially at the island's northern and southern points. Snorkel within marked trails and heed tide times.",{"name":179,"description":180,"severity":135,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine stingers (box jellyfish)","Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in warmer months (November to May). Wear a stinger suit provided by the resort.",{"name":182,"description":183,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Coral cuts and abrasions","Sharp coral formations in shallow areas can cause cuts. Avoid touching coral and wear protective footwear or fins at all times.",{"name":185,"description":186,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Changing weather conditions","Southeasterly trade winds can pick up suddenly, creating choppy surface conditions. Snorkelling may be restricted during poor weather.",{"name":188,"description":189,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Coral reef sharp edges","The fringing reef is shallow and live coral is fragile; contact can cause cuts and damage the ecosystem. Enter only via designated sandy channels.",{"name":191,"description":192,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Coral cuts and scrapes","Sharp coral formations near the reef edge and in shallow areas can cause injury. Wear reef shoes and avoid touching coral.",{"name":194,"description":195,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong currents & tidal flows","Tidal currents can strengthen around the cay, especially at changing tides. Stick to marked snorkel trails and heed local advice.",{"name":197,"description":198,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Coral cuts & scrapes","Shallow reef areas have sharp coral. Wear reef shoes or fins and avoid touching the coral.",{"name":200,"description":201,"severity":135,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Outgoing tide current (Western Reef)","Strong currents can develop on the western reef side during outgoing tides, making drift snorkeling challenging for inexperienced swimmers.",{"name":203,"description":204,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Shallow coral and reef shoes required","Entry\u002Fexit at Coral Gardens and Lighthouse Keyway requires walking across sharp coral rubble. Reef shoes are mandatory to prevent cuts.",{"name":206,"description":207,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Tide-dependent lagoon access","The eastern lagoon is only snorkelable at certain tides; check signage near the education centre or dive shop for opening times.",{"name":209,"description":210,"severity":135,"season_start":211,"season_end":125},"Marine stingers (seasonal)","Box jellyfish and other marine stingers may be present in warmer months. Stinger suits are recommended from November to May.",11,{"name":213,"description":214,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":125},"Remote location — limited medical facilities","The island is a remote coral cay accessible only by air. Emergency medical evacuation may be delayed.",{"name":216,"description":217,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Depth variation","Second Reef ranges from 2 to 12 metres. Deeper sections may surprise less experienced snorkelers who venture beyond the shallow inner reef.",{"name":219,"description":220,"severity":135,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Surge action at The Blowhole","Water funnels through the rocky blowhole channel creating turbulent, churning conditions that can disorient snorkelers and cause impact with coral.",{"directions":222,"parking":223,"facilities":224,"fees":229,"access_method":230},"Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay accessible only by scenic flight from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, or Brisbane, or by boat charter. Manta Ray Bommie (the Lighthouse Bommies area) is reached via a 5-10 minute boat ride from the island's jetty. The island operates a dive shop with daily morning and afternoon boat trips.","No vehicle parking on the island. Parking is available at the departure airports (Bundaberg, Hervey Bay) for long-term stays.",[225,226,227,228],"toilets","parking","drinking_water","showers","Access to the island requires either day-tour or resort accommodation bookings. Scenic flights from Bundaberg start from around $545\u002Fadult. Snorkel safari tours are available for an additional fee.","boat","2026-07-27T02:53:57.584849Z","2026-08-04T05:32:31.002497Z",{"verdict":234,"evaluated_at":235,"models":236},"go","2026-10-03T02:16:59.447216Z",[237,243,248],{"model_name":238,"is_favourable":239,"value":240,"threshold":118,"unit":241,"operator":242},"Wind Speed",true,1.05,"kn","lte",{"model_name":244,"is_favourable":239,"value":245,"threshold":246,"unit":247,"operator":242},"Wave Height",0.094,0.5,"m",{"model_name":249,"is_favourable":239,"value":250,"threshold":40,"unit":251,"operator":252},"Visibility",2.76,"","gte",{"verdict":234,"rating":254,"evaluated_at":235,"generated_at":235,"source":255,"confidence":256,"visibility":259,"parameters":260,"models_passed":277,"models_total":117},"Excellent","precomputed",{"level":257,"value":258},"High",100,{"score":250,"rating":113,"confidence":113},[261,262,266,269,273],{"name":244,"value":245,"label":113,"unit":247,"favourable":239,"score":43,"optimal_max":246,"marginal_max":36},{"name":263,"value":264,"label":113,"unit":265,"favourable":239,"score":43,"optimal_max":161,"marginal_max":125},"Swell Period",6.2,"s",{"name":238,"value":267,"label":113,"unit":241,"favourable":239,"score":43,"optimal_max":118,"marginal_max":268},1.05161744,15,{"name":270,"value":5,"label":113,"unit":271,"favourable":239,"score":43,"optimal_max":117,"marginal_max":272},"Precipitation","mm",20,{"name":274,"value":113,"label":275,"unit":251,"favourable":276,"score":36,"optimal_max":113,"marginal_max":113},"Tidal Phase","flood",false,4,[279,286],{"id":280,"image_url":13,"sort_order":43,"is_primary":239,"moderation_status":281,"license":282,"license_url":283,"attribution":284,"author_name":285},"c1e34b9e-da25-43c8-935b-b528b2a15a2d","approved","CC BY 4.0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby\u002F4.0\u002F","Photo by (c) jeyre, some rights reserved (CC BY)","jeyre",{"id":287,"image_url":288,"sort_order":117,"is_primary":276,"moderation_status":281,"license":289,"license_url":113,"attribution":290,"author_name":291},"b372c238-2f68-4890-93ed-6b36cc51649a","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_lady-elliot-island-manta-ray-bommie_5_c339fe79e47a.jpg","Public domain","Photo by LordDimwit at English Wikipedia","LordDimwit at English Wikipedia",{"display_name":293},"Daniel","unverified",1791009166008]