This dive site, Alma Bay, is located on Magnetic Island off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It features shallow fringing reefs on both sides and a gentle sloping sandy bottom, offering very little water movement. Its calm and accessible nature makes it an excellent site for all levels of divers, particularly beginners. Navigation is straightforward, following the reef lines or exploring the sandy patches. There is no specific history or story provided for the site itself, but it is a natural bay offering sheltered diving.
Alma Bay is teeming with marine life. Divers can encounter various shark species including wobbegongs, epaulette sharks, and tawny nurse sharks. Rays such as blue spot mask rays, cow tail rays, and shovelnose rays are also frequently observed. Green sea turtles are a common sight. However, the true highlight of Alma Bay is its incredible diversity of macro life, boasting over 50 different species of nudibranchs, making it a macro photographer's paradise.
The best time to visit Alma Bay for diving is generally during the dry season (May to October) when water clarity is often at its peak and conditions are typically calm. The site is suitable year-round given its sheltered nature. Freedivers and snorkelers will also find Alma Bay highly rewarding due to its shallow depths, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life close to the surface, particularly the vibrant nudibranch populations and graceful turtles.
