Moreton Bay Islands · Self-Drive Boat Hire
Tangalooma Wrecks by Boat
Sunken ships, snorkelling and one of the bay's best-known landmarks
Open bay crossing · Around 60-90 minutes from Scarborough or Manly, weather dependent
Check Availability →Getting to Tangalooma
The Tangalooma Wrecks are a line of sunken ships deliberately scuttled off the western side of Moreton Island, now covered in coral and home to a huge range of fish. It's one of the most popular snorkelling and fishing spots in the whole bay.
Like the rest of Moreton Island, getting to Tangalooma means crossing around 20km of open bay water. On a calm day this is a comfortable, memorable trip in the Quintrex 430 - but it's genuinely weather dependent, and we'll always be straight with you about whether conditions suit a boat this size.
Weather-dependent trip: The trip to Tangalooma crosses around 20km of open Moreton Bay water. We only recommend it in calm conditions and ask that you check in with us on forecast and experience level before booking - it suits a confident self-drive boater more than a first-time trip.
What to Do at Tangalooma
Wreck Snorkelling
The wrecks sit in shallow, clear water and are one of the easiest snorkel sites to reach by small boat in the bay.
Fishing Around the Wrecks
Structure fishing around the hulls regularly produces snapper, sweetlip and other reef species.
Dolphin Feeding
The nearby Tangalooma Resort runs a well-known wild dolphin feeding program most evenings.
Beach Anchorage
Calm, sandy anchorage close to the wrecks makes it easy to spend a few hours in the water.
Boating Conditions
The trip to Tangalooma crosses around 20km of open Moreton Bay water. We only recommend it in calm conditions and ask that you check in with us on forecast and experience level before booking - it suits a confident self-drive boater more than a first-time trip. A current Queensland Recreational Boat Licence (RBL) is required to operate the Quintrex 430, and every hire includes a full safety briefing, life jackets, EPIRB, GPS and Fishfinder.
Planning a trip to Tangalooma? Email us and we'll help you plan the route and check conditions before you book.
Quintrex 430 Fishabout - $200/day
Flexible multi-day rates available · Optional fishing & watersports gear add-ons
Safety on the Water
Full safety briefing, weather rescheduling, and comprehensive insurance on every hire - so you can focus on enjoying Tangalooma.
Full Insurance
Comprehensive coverage so you can focus on having fun.
Weather Rescheduling
Bad weather? We'll reschedule at no extra cost.
Safety Briefing
Route and conditions advice tailored to where you're headed.
Tangalooma FAQs
What you need to know before you head out
Can I snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks from the hire boat?
Yes, the wrecks sit in shallow water close to shore and are a popular, easy snorkel from an anchored boat.
Is the crossing to Tangalooma safe on a Quintrex 430?
In calm-to-moderate conditions, yes. We recommend checking the forecast and talking with us before booking, since it's a genuine open-water crossing.
Can I see the dolphin feeding from the water?
The dolphin feeding at Tangalooma Resort happens from the beach and jetty in the evening - you can anchor nearby, but it's primarily a shore-based experience.
What's the best season to visit the wrecks?
Winter and spring tend to bring calmer bay conditions and clearer water, making them the more reliable months for the crossing.
Ready to Explore Tangalooma?
Questions about routes, tides or conditions? Get in touch - we're happy to help.
📍 Marsden, 4132 QLD · Get Directions
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