Tours and Programs at Herons Island

Opportunities abound on Heron Island for group activities, eco excursions and boat tours! Join one of our resident Naturalist Guides to learn about the fascinating Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, the flora and fauna of the island, or the constellations of the night sky, or schedule your own private tours!

To get the most out of your visit to the Great Barrier Reef and Heron Island, a number of exciting and informative activities are possible for an additional charge. Inquire at Reception or the Marine Centre for availability when you arrive, or pre-book by contacting [email protected].

ISLAND WALK (Private or shared)
ABOUT 1.5 HOURS
Take a walk with one of our Naturalist Guides and learn about the history, flora and fauna of Heron Island. This guided tour will take you through the Pisonia Forest towards Shark Bay and return to the Information Centre along North Beach. Along the way we discuss the formation of Heron Island as a vegetated coral cay, learn about the environmental factors that have contributed to its formation, the plants that have colonised the island, the importance of the bird populations as well as sea turtles that visit Heron Island each year.

REEF WALK (Private or shared)
ABOUT 1.5 HOURS
Complimentary, booking required. Book and meet at the Information Centre. This tour is only available on certain days when the tide is particularly low and occurs during suitable daylight hours. Please wear appropriate fully enclosed footwear (some is also available to borrow at the Information Centre). Please wash your hands of any sunscreens or lotions prior to this walk. Your Naturalist Guide will explain the formation of the reef and identify some of the weird and wonderful creatures that you are likely to encounter on Heron Reef. You can learn about corals and their relatives, the threats to the reef today, the symbiotic relationships between marine species, adaptations for survival during low tide, and much more.

SUNSET CRUISE (Private Charter)
ABOUT 1 HOUR
Enjoy a peaceful end to the day aboard one of our launches, and watch the sun set over The Great Barrier Reef and Heron Island. Of course a sunset isn’t complete without some fine Australian wines and cheeses to go along with the friendly conversation.

GROUP BEACH SNORKELLING
Being right on the Great Barrier Reef means that you can snorkel off the beach. If you haven’t snorkelled before or would like to practice, try Shark Bay (named after the harmless Shovel Nose Ray) or from the Gantry just in front of the Pandanus Lounge. Snorkelling in the harbour is not allowed between 8 am and 5:30 pm due to boat traffic. It is best three hours before and after high tide from the Gantry and Shark Bay. Tide times are posted in the daily “Heron Times” or displayed outside Reception and the Marine Centre.

GROUP SNORKEL BOAT TRIP
Book a private 1-hour charter for $1400.

SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE “I-SPY” TOUR
ABOUT 1 HOUR
Perhaps you’re not so comfortable putting on a mask and fins? Not a problem, the I-Spy semi-sub is perfect for you. Turtles, sharks and rays are often seen from the I-Spy. Your Naturalist Guide will commentate on the many species of marine animals that are encountered, and provide information about the biology and ecology of coral reefs.
The I-Spy normally operates once a day, 5 days a week, subject to demand and weather conditions. Book at the Marine Centre.

Adults $60 AUD
Children $40 AUD

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND RESEARCH STATION TOURS
VARIABLE TIMES
Subject to availability. Researchers associated with the University of Queensland Research Station discuss their current investigations and experiments in and around Heron Reef.

Adults $10 AUD
Children $3 AUD

KAYAKING & PADDLE BOARDING TOURS
ABOUT 1 HOUR
Another active way to explore the waters and reefs around Heron Island. Your guides will take you to areas where you’ll glide above abundant coral life, sharks (small ones!), and rays.

Single Kayak $40 AUD
Double Kayak $70 AUD
Paddle Boards $40 AUD

GUIDED FISHING TOUR
ABOUT 3 HOURS
The Great Barrier Reef offers exceptional opportunities for fishing in a number of areas close to Heron Island. Tour includes boat trip, bait and tackle. Best of all, our chef will gladly prepare your catch for evening dinner.
There is a minimum age of 7 years old on Fishing Tours, and your self-caught evening meal in the Shearwater Restaurant is charged at $35 AUD per adult, $20 AUD per child.

Adults $180 AUD
Children $120 AUD

FISHING — PRIVATE CHARTER
For friends or family groups, we offer the choice of private boat charter fishing excursions.
Half Day (3 hrs) — $920 AUD

Rates in effect to March 31, 2019. Heron Island reserves the right to discontinue or alter services and rates without notice.