Learn more about the incredible marine life on the Great Barrier Reef:

A turtle at corals near Heron Island Resort

Sea Turtles

Out of the six species of turtle found along the Great Barrier Reef, you can find three of them on Heron Reef. The most commonly sighted turtle around Heron Island is the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) making up about 98% of the population. There is an estimated year-round resident population of between 3000 – 4000 juvenile turtles.  

Also sighted around Heron Island are the Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate). Throughout the year sea turtles will share the waters with you and can be seen whilst snorkelling, diving or right off the beach.

Heron Island also hosts a large nesting population of Green and Loggerhead sea turtles. From approximately October each year the island turns into an important breeding ground with the breeding population migrating to this region to mate. The females spend between 7 – 10 days mating and then can be seen coming ashore of Heron Island to nest from November to March. 

Early January until May the baby turtle hatchlings will start emerging from their nests and can be seen making their way to the sea to start their big journey. 

Whales

Heron Island is a very special place, where you can see Humpback whales migrating north from June to September each year.

Humpback whales undertake the longest documented migration of any individual mammal, with one record being over 8000km! They essentially make north-south migrations between cold water feeding areas for summer and temperate to tropical breeding areas for winter.

They spend the winter months in our waters and the summer months in Antarctica.

Aerial view of the sea near Heron Island Resort
A group of rays in sea near Heron Island Resort

Rays

The most common rays seen around Heron Reef are the Giant Shovel-nosed Ray, the White-spotted Eagle Ray, the Blue-spotted Fantail Ray, the Cow-tail Ray and the Pink-whip Tail Ray. Also seen seasonally usually during the winter months is the magnificent Reef Manta Ray (Manta Alfredi).

Sharks

The most commonly sighted sharks on Heron Reef are the Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks as well as Lemon Sharks. There is no need to be apprehensive when encountering these animals in the water as long as they are given the respect they deserve.

In the low tide you may even spot the Epaulette shark, the only shark known to be able to walk on land!

Please don’t disturb them in their natural habitat.

A shark swimming in sea near Heron Island Resort