Where is Mantaray Bay?
Mantaray Bay, nestled in the north of Hook Island, is without a doubt one of the best dive and snorkel spots in the Whitsundays!
Hook Island is the second largest of 74 islands in the Whitsunday Island chain, located 25km east of Airlie Beach, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef’s coastal waters. Located on the northern side of Hook Island, Mantaray Bay is protected under special Great Barrier Reef Marine Park management.
Home to a plethora of curious and unique fish such as the colourful Maori Wrasse, Giant Trevally, vibrant Batfish, and large schools of Yellow-tail Fusiliers, Mantaray Bay is a stunning natural haven that encapsulates all the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has to offer!
From May to September be sure to keep your eyes peeled for majestic Manta rays that stop in to say hello during the cooler months!
The bays waters are a no-anchor and no-fishing zone, although designated fish feeding has been approved by GBRMP. Tour boats are only allowed to feed the marine creatures a designated amount per day.
Beholding many interesting cave valleys and naturally-formed aisles around the rocky headland of Mantaray Bay, the cove is a pot of gold for avid divers in the Whitsundays! The two large moorings and three smaller ‘tender’ moorings in Mantaray Bay have a two-hour time limit, so we recommend you swiftly put your snorkel on and dive deep into the flourishing underwater world of Mantaray Bay - a must-do adventure destination in the Whitsundays!
Tours that visit Mantaray Bay, Whitsundays
Surely by now, all you’re thinking is “how can we visit this paradise”? We certainly can’t blame you! Well, rest assured there are several adventurous ways to cruise to Mantaray Bay!
Keep in mind, that whilst the tours listed below do visit Hook Island, this is dependent on the day's weather, tide, and sea conditions.
1. Private Charters
The best way to design and customise your very own Whitsunday itinerary is by booking an overnight private charter vessel in the Whitsunday Islands!
Private charters in the picturesque heart of the Great Barrier Reef come in many shapes and sizes from luxurious catamarans, adventurous sailing vessels, and exclusive yachts - there is a vessel for every holidaymaker to explore the islands in intimate exclusivity!
Complete freedom in paradise is beckoning! Be sure to let your experienced skipper and host know that Mantaray Bay is on your dreamy Whitsunday bucket list to ensure a visit!
If you’re ready to sail and cruise around the dazzling aquamarine waters of the Whitsundays in luxe style, make sure to explore all of your private charter options here.
2. Overnight Sailing Tours
Ahoy there fellow beach lovers and snorkelling fanatics! An overnight sailing tour guarantees a day to day itinerary teeming with social island hopping, world-famous Whitsunday gems such as Whitehaven Beach, and you guessed it - seemingly endless time exploring the underwater havens of the Great Barrier Reef! A vast majority of small group overnight tours (depending on the weather, wind, and sea conditions) visit the lush biodiverse coves and bays of Hook Island!
From deluxe small group catamaran escapes to wondrous adventure sailing tours, there is an overnight sailing tour for every traveller and holidaymaker, explore your options here.
For more information, be sure to live chat with our friendly boat experts to find out what overnight sailing tour includes a visit to Hook Island!
3. Fast Boat Day Tours
If you’re limited on time in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, rest assured, there are a plethora of action-packed, fast boat day tours that travel at high speeds from Whitsunday Island to Hook Island!
Fill your day exploring the dazzling silica sand and glassy turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach, and diving deep into the rich marine playgrounds off Hook Island! Keep your eyes peeled for vast underwater forests, and quirky reef fish eager to say hello! The best of both worlds!
Be sure to explore our range of snorkelling-filled day tours departing from Airlie Beach below:
Whilst these below day tours do travel to Hook Island, note that a visit to Mantaray Bay is dependent on the weather, wind, and sea conditions on the day of the tour.
