26th December 2024- Boxing day Manta Ray

Merry (belated) Christmas to everyone from the staff at Jetty Dive! We are very thankful to have such an amazing community of divers and we wish to extend our gratitude to everyone for another wonderful year! With that being said, what better way to enjoy Boxing Day than to get out for a double dive at South Solitary Island! Calm wind and swell made for a smooth trip out of the harbour and out to the light. Both MegaWild and Sowild shot out this morning, a busy day for us at the dive shop!

We stayed at the top end of the island for our first dive, some getting in at Manta arch and others at Cleaner Station. Some small Grey Nurse Sharks were spotted inside of Manta Arch. Other highlights were Pygmy Leatherjacket, Spindled Cowries, Wobbegongs, Pepermint Shrimp and an Eagle Ray!

After a surface interval everyone drifted from Cleaner Station to South Boulder. An Oceanic Manta Ray was spotted, only by few! We have very few encounters with this species at South Solitary Island so it was the best christmas present to see! Marbled Rays were cruising up and down the wall, Mantis Shrimp were spotted hiding in the rocks, a lonely Scallopped Hammerhead who looked a bit late to the party!

Conditions Report

Temperature: 24°C

Visibility: 15m

Congratulations to Lou, Drew, and Rafaella for completing your Open Water Diver Course!

Congratulations to Leisa, Oscar, and Ian for completing your Advanced Open Water Diver Course!