Manta Bommie - Coral Sea

Passe de Tiputa is really something. We’ve done it dozens of times and it still feels like the first, that rush of being swept into the lagoon, flying over a landscape of brain coral and anemones. We love a drift dive, and this is drift diving amplified. You’ll drop in just outside the pass on an incoming tide, then let the current carry you into the lagoon. The depth here often hovers around 20 metres, so there's plenty of bottom time to take in the show. What makes it special? The sheer volume of sharks. Grey reef sharks mostly, patrolling the entrance in dizzying numbers, sometimes hundreds, just hanging in the current, looking utterly unbothered by us. We’ve also had lucky encounters with mantas here, gliding through the blue. Keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, too; they often put on a playful display. The visibility averages 28 metres, a proper blue, though the currents can be quite strong. Our tip: go early in the morning for fewer boats and that beautiful soft light. This dive suits experienced divers comfortable with current, looking for a truly exhilarating ride. It’s an immersion in the raw power of the ocean, a proper shot of adrenaline.

Location
Coral Sea, Australia, Australasia
Coordinates
-23.911300, 152.385900
Type
reef

Best Time to Dive in Coral Sea

The warmest water temperatures in Coral Sea occur in March, averaging 28.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 21.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.3°C
  • March: 28.3°C
  • April: 27.2°C
  • May: 25.0°C
  • June: 23.0°C
  • July: 21.6°C
  • August: 21.2°C
  • September: 22.3°C
  • October: 24.3°C
  • November: 26.3°C
  • December: 27.7°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Coral Sea

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Bommie

Marine Life in Coral Sea

Home to 120 recorded species including 73 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 3 other, 2 sharks & rays, 1 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta Bommie

Based on average water temperature of 25.2°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 25°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Manta Bommie?
Diving at Manta Bommie typically involves depths up to a maximum of 15 meters. The bommie, which serves as a manta ray cleaning station, has its tip sitting between 14-16 meters, making it accessible within the site's maximum depth.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see at Manta Bommie?
Divers at Manta Bommie can anticipate an incredible array of marine life, most notably frequent encounters with majestic Manta Rays. You'll also likely spot Grouper, Green Sea Turtles, and Reef sharks. The vibrant reef is home to Wrasse, Coral Trout, and various species of damsel and anemone fish.
How challenging is diving at Manta Bommie, especially for less experienced divers?
Diving at Manta Bommie is rated as intermediate difficulty. As it is a drift dive, less experienced divers should be comfortable with currents and consider diving with an experienced guide or instructor. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience at this unique cleaning station.
When is the best time of year to dive Manta Bommie for manta ray encounters and good conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Manta Bommie for optimal manta ray encounters or specific conditions. For general information on seasonal diving, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Manta Bommie?
The available data for Manta Bommie does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required. Given its intermediate difficulty and status as a drift dive, it is generally recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with your dive operator for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at Manta Bommie?
Manta Bommie is known as a drift dive, indicating that divers can expect currents during their exploration of this manta ray cleaning station. The average visibility at the site is a clear 11 meters, offering good viewing opportunities for the abundant marine life.