Tours & Programs

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 schedule your own private tour!

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. To cater for changes in weather conditions, the Heron Times activities schedule is released every weekend for the week following. If you would like to receive the activities schedule for the week of your visit, please email activities@heronisland.com. Boat based tours can be booked in advance. To book boat based tours please email dive@heronisland.com prior to your arrival.

 **additional activities available, fee's apply

Activities near Heron Island Resort in Queensland, Australia

SEMI-SUBMERSIBLE “I-SPY” TOUR

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, 3 days a week, subject to demand and weather conditions. To check availability and pre-book your activity, please contact the Marine Centre at dive@heronisland.com

Adults    $70.00 AUD
Children $45.00 AUD
Duration: approx. 1 hour

GUIDED KAYAK TOURS

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. To check availability and pre-book your activity, please contact the Activity Centre at activities@heronisland.com. Please note that prior kayak experience is not a necessary requirement for group tours. The tour covers a distance of around 2.5kms, current can be quite strong, basic level of fitness and some kayaking experience is highly recommended.Individual hire is not available for for health and safety reasons.

Single Kayak   $ 55 AUD
Double Kayak $ 90 AUD 
                    

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Kayak Indemnity Form

 

Guided reef walk near Heron Island Resort in Queensland, Austral
Junior rangers group in the beach near Heron Island Resort
Research Station Tour - Heron Island

JUNIOR RANGERS PROGRAM

These workshops are designed for children aged 6–12 years and are offered primarily during QLD/NSW school holiday periods, but can be requested at other times. We will accept younger or older children where possible, especially if they are accompanied by an older sibling or guardian.

Children will explore the island with our Naturalist Guides, learning about specific animals and ecosystems. Activities are land-based, with occasional reef walks. A workbook is provided for those who wish to complete and reinforce their learning. Sessions are flexible and may include art or physical activities based on the children’s interests.

Each session focuses on a different theme, such as:

  • Sharks and Rays
  • Turtles
  • Island Adventure
  • Reef Adventure
  • Coral Discovery
  • Creepy Creatures
  • Fishy Tales
  • Feathered Friends

Cost: $45 per child
Duration: 1.5 hours
Times: 9:00–10:30 AM, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM, or 2:30–4:00 PM

Advance requests for sessions outside school holiday periods are welcome but subject to availability.

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND RESEARCH STATION TOURS 

Subject to availability. Researchers associated with the University of Queensland Research Station discuss their current investigations and experiments in and around Heron Reef. To check availability and pre-book your activity, please contact our activities team at activities@heronisland.com.

Adults $20 AUD
Children $6 AUD

Guide showing corals in Research Station at Heron Island Resort
Sunset view from a boat near Heron Island Resort

SUNSET CRUISE

Enjoy a peaceful end to the day aboard one of our launches watching the sun set over The Great Barrier Reef and Heron Island. Your tour begins with drinks, including fine Australian wines at the scenic Wistari Terrace before joining our crew onboard the boat. Relish in the picturesque view of sunset over the reef as you cruise through the crystal clear waters around Heron Island. To check availability and pre-book your activity, please contact the Marine Centre at dive@heronisland.com
 

Adults    $70 AUD
Children $45 AUD  (8yrs & over)                                  
An optional cheese platter can be added to your booking at $18 (Gluten Free is available at $18) 

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

REEF CREATURES LAB

Visit the University of Queensland Research Station with our Naturalist guides to experience the touch tank and all its wonderful critters and coral. Get hands on and learn about them in detail, as well as coral restoration techniques and reef ecosystems generally. Duration 1.25 hours. $15 per Adult $10 per child

A tour around Research Station at Heron Island Resort

 

Rates in effect to March 31, 2026. Heron Island reserves the right to discontinue or alter services and rates without notice. Most activities and tours are subject to weather and tide and schedules may vary week to week. Most activities will require a minimum number of participants to operate. Children are aged 3-12 years. Guests over the age of 12 years are considered adults.

Cancellation fees will apply. Please ask staff about terms and conditions when making your booking.

Heron Island Resort respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which we operate, the Bailai, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang,  and Taribelang Bunda peoples. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. And extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.