Tours and Programs at Heron Island

Great Barrier Reef Excursions

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, 4 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 $60 AUD          from April 1, 2025 $ 70.00 AUD
Children $40 AUD       from April 1, 2025 $ 45.00 AUD
Duration: approx. 1 hour

GUIDED KAYAK & PADDLE BOARDING 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/SUP 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   $ 50 AUD from April 1, 2025 $ 55 AUD
Double Kayak  $80 AUD                               $ 90 AUD 
Paddle Boards $50 AUD                               $ 54 AUD

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Kayak Indemnity Form

 

Activities near Heron Island Resort in Queensland, Australia
Junior rangers group in the beach near Heron Island Resort

JUNIOR RANGERS PROGRAM

Always a hit with the kids, our Heron Island Junior Rangers Program is an exciting nature based program for kids between the ages of 7 to 12 years. The Program offers a range of nature-based activities designed to nurture a sense of exploration and caring for the environment, subject matter includes activities such as bird watching, island walks and reef walks. The Program has been developed by Heron Island's experienced team of marine biologists, with the cooperation of the University of Queensland and QLD Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Program is very interactive and topics covered may vary seasonally to include: reef, ecology, forest awareness, coral cay formation, turtle nesting and whale watching. Kids will receive a Junior Rangers Workbook and embroidered badge. The Junior Rangers Program runs during the Queensland school holidays. for days and times or to make a booking, please contact Reception or our Activities team; activities@heronisland.com

Children :  $ 50 AUD
Duration: approx. 1.5hours

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     $60 AUD                           from April 1, 2025 $70 AUD
Children $40 AUD  (8yrs & over)                                  $45 AUD
An optional cheese platter can be added to your booking at $15 (Gluten Free is available at $16) from April 1, 2025 $ 18.00 (Gluten Free $18.00)

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours

 

Rates in effect to March 31, 2025. 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.