This dive site, Manta Ray Bay, is a renowned spot on Hook Island in Australia, famous for its intricate underwater landscape featuring a maze of bommies. Divers can explore these shallow bommies, navigate their way along the outskirts to depths of 14-16 meters, or descend a steep slope that plunges to 30 meters. While there's no specific historical account provided, the site is known for its resident Maori Wrasse, affectionately named 'GEORGE', and is a popular destination for divers of all levels seeking diverse marine encounters.
The marine life here is abundant and varied. Alongside 'GEORGE' the Maori Wrasse, divers can expect to encounter large schools of fusiliers, impressive giant trevallies, and graceful batfish. The site is also an excellent spot for macro enthusiasts, with numerous nudibranchs, various reef fish, and moray eels inhabiting the coral structures. Lucky divers exploring the deeper slopes might even spot whitetip reef sharks among the rock formations.
Manta Ray Bay is an excellent location to visit for both divers and freedivers, offering a wide range of depths and marine spectacles. While no specific 'best time' is mentioned, diving in the Whitsundays is generally good year-round, with warmer waters in summer and clearer visibility in winter. For freedivers, the shallow bommies and intermediate depths provide ample opportunity for extended bottom time, while scuba divers can explore the full range down to 30 meters, keeping an eye out for larger pelagics and the iconic George.
