Diving the Great Barrier Reef on Heron Island

Heron Island

Diving the Great Barrier Reef on Heron Island

Heron Island is famous around the world because it is exciting diving made easy. There's no need for day trips to the reef because you're already there, so you can easily enjoy up to three full dives a day. There are over twenty different dive sites, more than half of which are just fifteen minutes from the beach. With so many acres of living coral literally teeming with fish, it's easy to see why keen divers keep coming back to Heron.

Heron Island's biggest claim to diving fame is the Heron Bommie - described by Jacques Cousteau as being in his top ten favorite dive sites in the world. And the rest of them would probably have been in his top 20!

Heron Island offers three boat trips daily (subject to weather conditions) at 9am, 11am & 3pm. The 9am boat is for divers only (other boats also take snorkellers onboard) so can often be to a more adventurous site which is not suitable to snorkellers. During the summer months 5 boats run daily - 3 dive boats and 2 boats exclusively for snorkellers. Complimentary light refreshments are offered between the 9am and 11am dives. Iced water and sunscreen is available free of charge on all boats.

The dive itinerary is designed with divers who wish to dive 3 times a day in mind with the deepest dive (18m) in the morning followed by a 16m then 14m dive.

Every dive is accompanied by a qualified dive guide and is watched over by a lookout and skipper certified in dive first aid.

All dives are chosen for the prevailing conditions and visibility. Every dive except for night dives are easily within the ability and comfort zone of even the most novice diver.

Please note: all dive and snorkel activities and tours are subject to weather and tidal conditions. Divers must allow at least 24 hours between diving and flying - including by helicopter. Diving suitable for children 14 years and over. If certified, children can dive from the age of 10, however they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.