Where do we check-in and how do we get there ?
At the Dive Shop – 56 Narrah Street, Alva Beach
You can self drive, Yongala Dive is 15mins from Ayr which is 100 kms south of Townsville (approx 1 hour) and 200kms north of Airlie Beach (approx 2 hrs 15 mins). Directions can be found on our website here. We offer free transfers for our dive lodge guests from the Ayr bus stop daily at 13:15 & 16:40. A taxi from Ayr to Alva Beach will cost approx $35. Links to the bus timetables can be found here www.greyhound.com.au or www.premierms.com.au
What time does our day start and finish ?
- Check in – Wednesday to Monday inclusive – 07:15 to 07:30 sharp
- Check in – Tuesdays only – 08:00 sharp
- Return to Dive Shop – 14:00 for BBQ lunch at dive shop.
- Drop-off’s to Ayr commence around 4pm in time to catch the buse south @4:40pm or north at 5:45 pm
How many dives do we do?
2 dives on the wreck, with an hour surface interval. The last dive finishes around 1pm (for those wanting to fly the next day). Please refer to our daily schedule
When’s the best time of year to dive?
Tropical North Queensland is great for diving all year round, although the diving is different in summer and winter. Seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere.
Winter (June to Aug) – Our winters usually offer warm, clear days with better visibility but the wind is often stronger and the water temperature is a little cooler.
- humpback whales etc., manta rays (aug onwards) visibility tends to be better 15-25 m
- water temp 21-25 degrees Celsius
- land temp approx 25 degrees Celsius
Spring/Summer (Sept to Dec) – In Summer the water warms up and generally offers lighter winds. January to April is our wet/cyclone season with high humidity but can offer some great diving with large schools of bait fish around and therefore lots of feeding.
- huge schools of baitfish, manta rays
- visibility approx 10-15 m
- water temp approx 25 – 31 degrees celsius
- land temp from 28 – 35 degrees Celsius
I Have heard marine stingers are in the water from October to April, can I still dive ?
Stingers, also known as box jellyfish, are coastal dwellers and therefore only usually found around the shore as they breed in the estuaries. However there can be other jellyfish around which can provide a sting call the ‘irikundji syndrome’ so often called ikijundji jellyfish. These can inhabit the waters and therefore we ensure that all divers are provided with full length wetsuits and lycra hoods to protect from stings.
I am travelling alone, who will I dive with ?
We will provide a dive buddy for you. We also offer free dive guides with every dive.
Will I need to show my dive certification card ?
YES. You will need to present this card on check-in so please don’t forget it. If you do not have a card you will need to advise us in advance, if you are a PADI diver we will be able to look your details up online with some basic information. If you are not a PADI diver you will need to provide us with some proof of your certification.
Do you offer dive guides ?
We offer free dive guides to all divers. For those experienced divers who wish to dive to their own plan we are happy for them to dive with a buddy as long as they provide us with their dive plan prior to the dive
What is the average length of a dive ?
Your dive time depends on a number of things – your air consumption, experience level and your depth. An average dive time could be around 40 minutes, however those divers with good air consumption can easily increase this. Currents can also reduce your dive time.
Do you restrict dive times ?
No. we do not generally restrict dive times, however, we do not allow decompression diving so all divers must stay within their decompression limit. Nitrox is available to extend dive times. Enriched Air courses are available to take advantage of extended dive times.
What equipment is provided ?
Own gear includes – tanks and weights only Full gear hire includes – bcd, regulator, dive computer (wetsuit, fins and mask are thrown in) Dive equipment can be hired separately i.e. dive computer’s. A dive computer will be required due to the depth of the wreck.
What is the recommended weight wetsuit ?
Summer – full length suit to 3mm (oct to april). We provide lycra hoods in stinger season which MUST be worn.
Winter – full length 5mm suit (apr to sept), plus you will need to bring a vest or hood if you require extra warmth
What size/fittings are the scuba tanks ?
Our tanks are mainly 88 cu ft (12 lt) aluminium tanks ?? Standard fittings are ‘K’Valve, however we do have some tank valves which can convert to ‘din’ fittings.
I am a PADI Open Water Diver, can I dive the Yongala..?
Yes… you will need to make the PADI Deep adventure dive as part of your first dive on the Yongala, during the dive you will be looked after by a highly experienced PADI instructor who is also an expert on diving the Ship Wreck Yongala. After completion of this adventure dive you will be certified to dive to 30 metres. For more information click here
What happens during the Deep Adventure Dive..?
You will complete skills with your PADI Instructor, and a knowledge review after reading the deep diver section from the PADI Adventure dive manual. List of skills and more information can be found here. The idea of this adventure dive experience is not to make you an expert in deep diving, it is designed to give you a better understanding and advance your dive skills further enabling you to dive to a maximum of 30 metres.
Do I need a Dive Medical ?
As a certified diver generally a dive medical is not required. However, if you have a history of medical condition which are not appropriate for diving (i.e. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung disorders) you will need to provide a medical certificate stating you are fit to dive. If you are undertaking any dive training you will need to complete and sign a medical statement prior to your dive, if you have any medical conditions which might prevent you diving without a medical please obtain one in advance.
When should I book ?
To make sure we can fit you in and you get the best valve out of your diving or course, please give us plenty of notice. We can go through options and fit in around any timescales you have if we have enough notice from you.
What should I bring on the boat with me ?
Bring a towel and a warm jumper in winter (may-sept)
What food and drink is provided ?
We provide tea/coffee/biscuits at the dive shop, snacks of fruit and cake are provided in the surface interval plus free cordial and water (plus hot drinks and soup in winter). An aussie BBQ lunch will be cooked for you on your return to the Dive Shop. (Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements). Guests in our accommodation are provided with breakfast of tea/coffee, orange juice, toast and cereal.
I am an Enriched Air Nitrox diver, can I obtain nitrox fills ?
Yes. Nitrox fills are available – usually at 33 or 34% at $20 per fill. Please advise us in advance if you will require nitrox tanks. Nitrox certification cards must be shown and if using your own regulators they will need to be O2 approved by the manufacturer.
What is involved in the Enriched Air (Nitrox) Course ?
The course is comprised of theory including self-reading, knowledge reviews and exam, watching a dvd and 2 dives conducted on nitrox. The theory must be completed prior to your dives. Why not stay in our Dive lodge the day before and complete this at your leisure?
What is your cancellation policy ?
We require a minimum of 48 hours notice in low season (February to September) to cancel a dive trip, otherwise full payment will be required. In high season (October to January) there is a 7 day cancellation policy.
What happens if I am ill and cannot make the trip ?
Our policies do not allow for cancellations at late notice so you should ensure you have travel insurance in place to cover this.
Do I need Dive Insurance ?
It is always important to ensure you are covered for personal evacuation and medical issues. Please check your travel insurance to ensure you are covered for diving to 30 metres as some insurance policies do not cover in-water activities. NB: in a medical emergency evacuation, medical expenses and repatriation are the responsibility of the diver. ivers Alert Network (DAN) offer insurance packages specificially for scuba divers. See www.danasiapacific.org or check our links page. What is the recommended interval for flying after diving ? We recommend a minimum of 24 hours interval prior to flying after completing multiple dives. The last dive will generally be around 12:30pm.
Do you accommodate disabled passengers ?
We have had disabled/mobility impaired passengers onboard the vessel previously, however, due to the nature of the vessel and the dive itself passengers must be contact us prior to booking to enable us to make an assessment of the suitability for diving with us. In addition, anybody who cannot stand up with gear should notify us in advance.
What is the minimum age to dive the Yongala wreck ?
A minimum age of 16 is required in order to dive with us at the Yongala wreck due to the location and depth of the wreck (14-28m).
Can I rent an underwater camera for my dive ?
We rent Olympus Muju digital underwater camera’s with a housing for you to take your own pictures, these are burnt onto a dvd with a movie file of approximately 100 of our stock photo’s. Click here for more information
Do you have a photo pro on board taking photo’s?
Our dive staff with carry a camera with them and take photo’s and video of you during your dives. These will be shown in a slideshow back at the dive shop and can be burnt onto dvd at a cost of $35 including a move file with approximately 100 of our stock photo’s.
Where is the nearest recompression chamber ?
The nearest recompression chamber is based in Townsville Hospital, approximately 100km north of Ayr. It is recommended that all passengers carry insurance to cover medical evacuation.
I suffer seasickness should I take any medication ?
Yes. All boats move. We offer natural ginger tablets for sale at the Dive Shop but if you require something stronger please check with your chemist. It is advisable to take one tablet the night before your dive, then one-two tablets approx half an hour before you board the vessel. Please drink extra water on board to combat the effects of dehydration.
Where do I stay?
We have an on-site diver’s lodge, with dorms and a private queen. Prices include linen & breakfast daily. Towels are not provided but can be hired for $5 each. There is a fully fitted kitchen in the lodge so you may either self cater for dinner, take advantage of our BBQ area or there is small take-away shop/cafe nearby.
What is the Reef Tax (EMC) and Mooring fee for?
A compulsory fee of $5.50 per person per day is collected for the Government Environmental Management Charge. There is also a mooring fee charged by the Museum of Tropical Queensland which is a ‘per diver’ fee of $13.50 for the upkeep of the moorings at the wreck. (Subject to change)
