MANTA LODGE AND SCUBA CENTRE, North Stradbroke Island

Located directly on the beach at Point Lookout, Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre serves as a central hub for diving on North Stradbroke Island. The centre is positioned to provide easy access to the diverse marine environments of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

As a specialist live-in facility, it caters to both the travelling diver looking for convenient accommodation and the professional student pursuing advanced certifications. The proximity to the water allows for a seamless transition from the hostel to the dive site.

The centre operates as an SSI Instructor Training facility, making it a significant point for professional development in the Brisbane area. They provide a structured environment for those working through the professional dive career path.

Instruction covers the entire spectrum of diving, from initial entry-level qualifications to advanced technical specialties and professional instructor crossover programmes. The team is focused on high-quality training for both recreational enthusiasts and technical divers.

The course catalogue is extensive, beginning with the SSI Open Water Diver. For those looking to progress, they offer Advanced and Nitrox courses, Deep Diver, and Extended Range certifications.

Technical divers can access specialised training including Trimix and rebreather courses. The centre is also a dedicated hub for professional development, providing Rescue, Divemaster, and Open Water Instructor training, alongside instructor crossover programmes from PADI to SSI.

The centre is well-equipped for technical diving, offering Helium and CCR Sorb on request. They are a Mares Horizon SCR training centre and dealer, stocking a wide range of technical products including Halcyon, Mares XR, Shearwater, and Santi equipment.

For recreational divers, a full range of equipment is available for hire. The centre also provides equipment servicing and handles various needs for snorkellers and surfers visiting the area.

The local waters are home to various marine species, including sea turtles that can be seen throughout the area. The Moreton Bay Marine Park provides a varied habitat for these animals to thrive.

Depending on the time of year, you may encounter different pelagics. While specific seasonal windows for manta rays, leopard sharks, or whales are not detailed in the current logs, the area is known for its diverse marine life.