Being right on the Great Barrier Reef means you can snorkel off the beach

Incredible snorkelling opportunities abound on Heron Island, and it’s the most popular of all guest activities. Whether you’re a mask and flipper novice or a more experienced diver, you’ll find plenty to marvel at just below the waters off Heron Island.

Minimal impact tips: Snorkelling

To fully enjoy marine life in its natural habitat, let it be. Avoid touching animals and their homes. 

The ocean needs it more than we do! Collecting shells, coral or animals can severely alter ecosystems and have serious consequences for marine animals.

Free swimming animals should not be chased, ridden or herded as this could cause severe stress for the animal.

You don't want to lose your gear. Make sure your equipment is secure to avoid dragging or damaging wildlife and corals, polluting the ocean.

Practice your techniques. Your finning technique is important as most damaging contacts to the reef come from contact with fins. If you know how to kick backwards, it can help to move away awhile while you are looking at the reef. If you're free diving, you should be good enough not to need to hold onto things underwater.

If you get tired, it's better to find a floating device to rest on rather than touching the ground. Non-confident swimmers may even want to snorkel with a life jacket or a pool noodle. If you need to stand up, have a look down to make sure there's nothing fragile underneath, like corals. You don't want to ruin somebody else's home!

Remember: you are a visitor to this environment and interactions with living or dead items is discouraged.