Manta Bommie is a spectacular rocky reef pinnacle off the northern tip of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), consistently ranked among Australia's top 10 dive and snorkel sites. Its name derives from the manta rays that congregate here in large numbers (often 3–4 at a time) to use a natural cleaning station among the sandstone outcrops. The site features rocky reef formations sitting on sandy patches at depths of 3–15 m, creating a magnet for leopard sharks, shovelnose rays, eagle rays, wobbegong sharks, octopus, turtles, and vast pelagic fish. This is a boat-access-only site, typically reached via a 1–1.75-hour trip from Runaway Bay or through the South Passage Bar from Brisbane. The best snorkeling season runs from October to April when water temperatures rise and manta rays arrive to feed and clean.
Manta Bommie (Manta Ray Bommie)
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Moderate risk: Strong tidal currents
The site experiences strong currents that can make drift snorkeling challenging; a common feature of exposed rocky reefs off Point Lookout.
Moderate risk: Rough surface conditions (spring/summer)
Exposed ocean site; up to 30% of trips are cancelled or rescheduled in summer due to adverse weather and swell.
Low risk: Boat traffic
The site is accessed by boat and lies in a busy marine area; snorkelers must be vigilant of vessels arriving and departing.
Low risk: Cold water temperature (winter)
From June to October water temperatures drop significantly, reducing comfort for extended snorkeling.
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Getting in
Manta Bommie lies off the northern tip of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), about 1–1.75 hours by boat from Runaway Bay or Brisbane. It is too far from shore to swim. Dive charters operate from Runaway Bay (Gold Coast) and Brisbane. The trip typically transits through the South Passage Bar or offshore routes depending on conditions.
Parking available at charter departure points such as Runaway Bay Marina. No parking at the site itself — boat access only.
No site entry fee. Charter costs from approximately $355 AUD for a multi-dive/snorkel trip including tanks, weights, surface interval snacks, and lunch. Equipment hire from $10–20 per item.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.