Please note these dives are not guided.  You will need to arrange a suitably qualified buddy to dive with.  For solo divers we may be able to arrange a buddy with sufficient notice.  No solo diving will be permitted on technical trips.

THE EXPERIENCE

The trip includes one technical dive. Decompression plans and run-times must be within certification limits. Dive sites are chosen beforehand but can change on the day due to weather conditions. It usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes to get to most sites.

• Cherubs Cave/China wall/Hendersons reef: Cherubs Cave is located 4.1 km off the eastern side of Moreton Island, near Henderson Rock. The depth at the site varies from 18m – 30m on the main bommie. The main bommie consists of a single characteristic rock that extends out in a northerly direction. The area between this main bommie and others located around the site is abundantly covered with kelp.

  Cherubs Cave is named after a cave system located under a large circular shaped bommie on the north-west side of the main bommie. The cave has four entrances that are difficult to find as they are covered with kelp. Once in the cave, light penetrates through the other entrances, aiding navigation. 

  This dive site boasts a large variety of marine life which includes an abundance of Grey Nurse Sharks, different varieties of Cod and Grouper, Anemones and Clown Fish on top of an abundance of macro life for the avid photographer. This site has something for everyone!

  Depending on conditions the dive may be done at Hendersons reef, China wall or other sites in the general area of Cherubs cave. 
• Exploration dive: We're still exploring the area, and on occasion will have an exploration dive on offer.  

PREREQUISITES/Terms & Conditions

• Be certified as an SSI Extended Range Diver, or hold an equivalent certification (45m deco) from another recognised certification agency.
• Solo diving is not permitted on technical charters.
• Must be able to show proof of having dived in the last 12 months.
• All divers must bring appropriate equipment for technical diving including tanks.  Manta Lodge has a range of Twin tanks, CCR tanks and stage bottles available for rent.  In the event of a diver not having sufficient equipment for a technical dive, participants will not be allowed to dive and no refund will be provided.  If unsure of equipment requirements please contact us prior to your dive.
• If you require specific gas mixtures we'll need at least 48hrs notice for stage bottles and back-gas nitrox fills and at least 14 days notice for trimix.
• PLEASE NOTE: SITES IN THE AREA  ARE PRONE TO STRONG CURRENTS, THERMOCLINES AND VARIABLE VISIBILTY AT DEPTH.  IF YOU ARE NOT CAPABLE OR EXPERIENCED IN CONDUCTING DECOMPRESSION DIVES IN THESE CONDITIONS DO NOT BOOK! THESE DIVES ARE UNGUIDED AND YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFTEY!
• TECHNICAL DIVING IN THE MORETON AREA IS CHALLENGING AND MANTA LODGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO PREVENT PARTICIPANTS FROM DIVING IN THE EVENT OF UNSAFE PRACTICES OR LACK OF SKILL/ABILITY.  ACCESS TO TECHNICAL LEVEL CHARTERS IS ALWAYS AT THE DISCRETION OF MANTA MANAGEMENT