FAQs · Destination Guide
Walk off the beach into a living reef, then surface to turtles, seabirds, and sky full of stars
Updated Jan 23, 2026 • 14 sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers sourced from research and local operating patterns.
For the most consistent diving, many visitors aim for April to November. It is generally the drier season, seas can be calmer, and visibility is often stronger (a common planning range is 20 m to 30 m on good days). Winter (June to August) brings cooler water, sometimes down toward 18°C to 22°C, so pack more neoprene. Summer (November to March) adds warm water and turtle nesting, but January to March is the wet season peak with more storms and variable viz.
Heron Island is famous for its turtle rookery. The resort reports turtles usually come ashore to lay eggs from November to March, and hatchlings are commonly seen from January to April. If turtles are your priority, book accommodation early for peak summer weeks and plan at least one evening for responsible viewing. Keep lights low, stay behind any guidance lines, and never stand between a turtle and the water. Even outside these months, snorkelers often see turtles cruising the shallows.
Most travelers fly into Brisbane (BNE) and connect to Gladstone (GLT) on the same day, then transfer to Heron Island by boat or helicopter. The Heron Islander catamaran typically departs Gladstone in the morning and takes about 2.5 hours, with strict marina check-in times. The helicopter takes about 30 minutes but has tighter baggage limits. If your flight schedule is tight, consider an overnight in Brisbane or Gladstone to protect your transfer day from delays.
Yes. One of the best parts of Heron Island is that you can snorkel directly off the island without a boat. The resort recommends snorkeling about two hours either side of high tide, when there is more water over the reef flat and entry is easier. Ask the Marine Centre for the safest route that day. Popular suggestions include the shore route from Gantry to Harbour and sheltered areas like Heron Island - Blue Pools. Avoid swimming in the channel during daytime operations.
Not necessarily. Many Heron Island dive sites are comfortable for Open Water divers because profiles often sit in the 10 m to 25 m range. That said, tides can create current and some sites are better as drift dives or on the outer reef, where advanced skills and calm decision-making matter. If you are newly certified or have not dived recently, plan a refresher and start with protected sites like Heron Island - Blue Pools. Night dives usually have experience minimums.
Heron Island sits inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and nearby protected areas, so plan for strict reef etiquette. Do not touch coral or marine life, do not feed fish, and keep fins and gauges off the reef. Use moorings where provided and follow the crew's site briefings. Choose reef-safe sunscreen and prioritize physical sun protection (rash guard and hat) to reduce chemical stress on corals. For turtles and seabirds, keep a respectful distance and never block access to nesting areas or the sea.
Plan around a wide seasonal spread. The resort reports water temperatures can range from about 18°C in winter (July to August) up to about 29°C in summer. If you run cold, winter often feels best in 5mm to 7mm. Many divers are comfortable in 3mm to 5mm during shoulder months, and a shorty or rash guard can work in summer if you are warm-blooded. Snorkelers often choose full coverage in summer for sun protection and nuisance stingers.
Do not count on your mobile phone. The resort notes there is no mobile phone coverage on the island. Plan to download boarding passes, confirmations, and offline maps before you leave the mainland. Paid Wi-Fi is available in common areas such as the bar, reception, and restaurant, typically sold as daily data packages. For after-hours communication, a payphone is available outside reception for calls to Australian mobiles and landlines.
Most Great Barrier Reef tourism programs include an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) that supports reef management and resilience work. The Reef Authority publishes the standard EMC rates, and many operators bundle it into your booking. Heron Island Resort notes an EMC is applied on arrival for the first three nights of your stay, based on the number of guests in your room. If you are booking multiple tours, confirm whether the EMC is already included so you do not double-count it in your budget.
Day 1: Arrive, get a Marine Centre briefing, then do a tide-timed shore snorkel or glass-bottom boat tour for orientation. Day 2: Book a guided reef walk on low tide and visit the University of Queensland research station for reef science context. Sunset is ideal for a cruise or relaxed beach time. Day 3: Focus on wildlife: birdwatching in the morning, then seasonal turtle viewing after dark (November to April). Because the island is small and walkable, the best itinerary follows the tide chart and leaves room for weather changes.