Your trip

You depart from Townsville on Friday night so you can wake up for a Saturday sunrise over the ocean. You can expect to dive the Yongala wreck in blue waters 3 times during the day and even have that chance for a spectacular night dive in between fully catered meals. On Sunday, enjoy two more leisurely dives before cruising back to the mainland, arriving in Townsville at about 5 pm, refreshed and ready for Monday morning!

We will be confirming the liveaboard a week prior to the trips departure. You will be sent a trip status update via email using the contact details provided at the time of booking. Please check your inbox and junk mail for the trip status. If you do not receive a confirmation please contact us on (07) 4724 0600.

Your vessel (MV SeaEsta)

The MV SeaEsta is the perfect vessel for your liveaboard with double, twin and quad-share air-conditioned cabins. It has a large, fully equipped dive deck that provides easy access in and out of water for divers. It also features a BBQ and entertainment deck where you can relax and mingle with your fellow crew/passengers in between dives.

Your trip includes:

• Up to SIX dives including 1 dawn dive on the Yongala Wreck
• 2 nights accommodation in air conditioned cabins
• All bed linen
• All meals from Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon
• Yongala mooring fees
• Tanks and weights for divers
• Environmental Education – learn about the ocean, its marine life and the history of the Yongala

Terms and conditions apply. You can find our T&Cs here.

The Yongala Wreck

Then let us introduce you to the S.S. Yongala Wreck! Situated in the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, it is the only large reef structure in the region, drawing a huge variety of marine life earning infamy as Australia’s BEST dive site. Everything on this wreck is big – Big Fish, Big Schools, BIG ADRENALIN!!

The 110m S.S. Yongala sank during a cyclone on March 23rd 1911, with the loss of all 122 people aboard. It was not until 1958 that the wreck was first dived and due to its remote location it has remained mostly untouched. The wreck begins 15m below the surface and extends to 29m. Protected under the Historic Shipwreck Act (1976), the artifacts, marine life and variety of corals that cover the wreck are second to none, Red Bull names it the best wreck for sea life.

Often seen are Turtles, Sea Snakes, Giant Trevally, Queensland Gropers, Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Sharks, thousands of Tropical fish and in the cooler months, even Humpback Whales. Diving the Yongala is a bucket list trip no scuba diver should miss!

Sample itinerary

Departs: Townsville

Boarding: Friday, 7:30 pm / Departure approx 10:30 pm / time for a stroll to enjoy dinner along the Strand or Palmer Street

Saturday morning: Wake up at the Yongala Wreck just in time to watch the sunrise… before diving the world famous wreck. Relax in between diving to the sound of the ocean and share your impressions of this amazing dive site.
Saturday afternoon: We get prepared for one more dive before dinner. Relax as the sun goes down over the horizon.
A unique night dive is on offer for the adventurous ones
Sunday: After watching the sun rise over the horizon it is time for yet another couple of dives to explore the features of the wreck and to say good morning to the early bird marine life
Time to relax on the way back home and share your pictures and stories with the fellow divers and crew.
Arrive back in Townsville around 5:00 pm

What to bring:
Your diving certification and log book
A small bag with towel, swimwear, toiletries, sunscreen and hat
BYOB (in non-excessive amounts)

What not to bring:
Large bags or backpack
Bed linen, sleeping bags and pillows
Glass Bottles (wine bottles allowed)

Prices for our 2 day 2 night Yongala liveaboard start from:

$815pp Basic price including tank and weights

Accommodation types:
3 or 4 Share, Twin and Double

Optional extras:

• $185 full gear hire
• $15 torch hire for night dive
• $65 camera hire / $120 for duration of the trip
• $10 pp per guided dive
• $25 Adventure Dive
• $230 PADI Nitrox Course
• $25 per Nitrox Fill