We packed the car with lots of dive kit, 2 adults, 2 kids and a small dog. We headed off and the adventure began. We made it to the ferry at Cleveland in good time and waited in the queue. The ferry came in and unloaded then it was to our turn to board. The trip over was uneventful but a little wavy and the storm clouds were building behind us. We arrived at Straddie, unloaded and headed to Ken’s house. We chose bedrooms, met some other people staying in the house before going out for dinner. While we were waiting for our dinner to be cooked the wind picked up and it then started raining. Luckily we got our dinner before the rain got too heavy and went back to house to eat. After dinner we set-up our tanks and had a quick briefing from Gavin. 

The Saturday arrived and it was bright and sunny we had breakfast and loaded the boat. The current beach conditions made Ken pessimistic about the launch, but it went fine and we were soon off to Flat Rock. The dive at the Shark Gutters was good and everyone saw grey nurse sharks. The second dive was at Manta Bommie, there was lots of bull rays waiting to get cleaned and a manta swimming around too. We drove back to the beach, landed, went back to the house and washed the gear. The afternoon was relaxing and spent by writing dive logs, napping and preparing for the next day.

The next day was pretty similar however we did Turtle Cave at Flat Rock first before going to Manta Bommie again. Unfortunately, this time, there were no mantas. The dinner on Sunday was a big barbecue and we set up the tables in between the houses. Ross did a great job cooking the sausages and burgers.

The third day dawned a bit windy and cloudy, so the sea conditions were a bit rougher, but by now everyone was skilled at launching so it went without a hitch. Today we did Shag Rock as a first dive and Manta Bommie again and the manta was back, so good news, but the vis wasn’t as good as the first 2 days and there was a rather large surge. We headed back to the beach and recovered the boat. Although it was a bit more difficult this time due to the large waves. We got back, cleaned the house, and headed off to our various ferries.

Overall, the trip was wonderful with lots of cool wildlife, relatively good conditions and weather as well as great food and meals thanks to Greta and Bernie. Thanks also to Ken for his ever reliable skippering, Gavin for dive managing, and Hannah for putting the trip together even though she wasn’t able to join us in the end.

The Crowes