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DIVE, STAY & PLAY AT MANTA LODGE & SCUBA CENTRE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I book my accommodation in advance?

Yes, it is always a good idea to book ahead to guarantee a room in our hostel, especially during busy periods (Christmas, Easter, and School Holidays).

How do I check in?

Checking in is simple! Just arrive at Manta Lodge YHA & Scuba Centre. Check-in is from 12:30 pm daily and check out is by 10 am. 

 

If you arrive early, you are welcome to leave your luggage in reception and enjoy the ground level facilities including the kitchen, lounges and ping pong table. We are located right on the beach, so why not go for a swim while you wait?

 

Checking in as a YHA Member? Simply show your membership card, pay for your bed, and complete the guest registration form.

 

Not yet a member? Join YHA today and start saving on tours, transport and all things travel! YHA membership gives you cheap accommodation at over 4,000 YHA hostels and thousands of travel discounts around the world.

What about refunds on cancelled bookings?

Accommodation cancellations:

If you have to cancel a booking, please notify Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre immediately. Unless otherwise indicated, if less than 48 hours notice of cancellation is given, your deposit of one overnight stay/charge will be forfeited.

 

Diving cancellations:

If cancellation is made with less than 72 hours notice before diving, you will incur a charge equal to full payment (unless cancelled by Management at Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre).

If you wish to transfer your booking within 72 hours, you will incur a fee of 50% of the reservation and a $20 rebooking fee. Please note we are unable to transfer bookings within 24hrs of the trip’s scheduled departure. 

All courses have a 14-day cancellation policy. Please see our full Terms & Conditions for the most current information and more details. 

How long can I stay?

As hostels are intended for travellers, length of stay may be limited up to 14 days, but this can be extended where vacancies are available or at the manager’s discretion. To ensure that everyone enjoys their stay, the manager may also ask people to leave if there are any problems or complaints.

What about linen?

Blankets, sheets and pillows are provided at all YHA hostels. Due to health regulations, sleeping bags are prohibited at YHA hostels.

What about cooking and laundry facilities?

Manta Lodge YHA has a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry. Ask at reception to see what times the laundry is available, as it varies from day to day.

Can I smoke in the hostel?

Smoking is only permitted in the designated outside areas. No smoking is allowed inside the building.

Is there a minimum age to stay?

A responsible adult over the age of 21 must accompany children aged 18 and under. You must be over the age of 18 to stay in a dorm room.

No refunds will be given if you arrive and try to check an underage person into the hostel’s dorms. You will be expected to pay the adult overnight rate.

Is it better to learn to dive on North Stradbroke Island than in Cairns?

Yes! Not only are our dive sites only minutes away (unlike Cairns, where it can take up to two hours to travel to dive sites), but divers who have experienced both locations prefer North Stradbroke Island for its renowned and varied marine life. 

What do I bring to a dive course?

Your dive medical (if required – contact staff to see if needed), swimming costume, sunscreen, water bottle, snacks and lunch (or money to buy lunch).

 

Please make sure you have completed ALL online theory before the start date of the course, and that you have downloaded the MySSI app.

What certification will I receive and where will I be able to dive after certification?

Upon completion of your dive course, you will be an SSI Open Water Diver, which is recognised worldwide.

What is the average size of a class?

A typical class is 3 to 4 people. We like to keep our course numbers low so that our students have a more personal, tailor-made learning experience with a smaller student to teacher ratio.

Are prescription glasses/contacts a problem when diving?

Not at all! Masks with prescription lenses are available on the market, and most contacts can be worn (with care) when diving.

We recommend that if you require a prescription mask to organise and purchase this well before your course starts, as there can be lengthy turnaround times. We do not have prescription masks available for hire.

Is language a barrier?

No, we offer training material in a number of different languages (i.e. Japanese, German, French).

What about sharks?

The sharks that visit our reefs are harmless. The Wobbegong carpet shark is the most frequent visitor, although the harmless Leopard and Grey Nurse sharks also visit our reefs seasonally. 

 

 

I have a referral, meaning I have received previous instruction and need to do my open water dives. Can I complete my dive course at Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre?

You sure can! All you need is a completed referral form from your last instructor. Please contact us at info@mantalodge.com.au to discuss possible dates and costs.

Why does everyone have so much fun at Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre?

Because we have great weather, beautiful surroundings, and awesome staff ;-)