Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical island where you can swim with turtles, see the Great Eight marine animals, and walk among thousands of birds? If so, then you should definitely consider Heron Island as your next holiday destination. Heron Island is a stunning coral cay in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, a true eco-experience, and a nesting ground for turtles and birds.
In this article, we will explore the top reasons why Heron Island is the ultimate island getaway for nature lovers, and how you can plan your trip to this coral cay paradise.
Snorkel and Dive in the World’s Largest Coral Reef
One of the main attractions of Heron Island is its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest and most diverse coral reef system. Heron Island is surrounded by a fringing reef that is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and offers easy access to over 20 dive sites and snorkelling spots. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the marine life that you can encounter on the reef.
Why Heron Island is a Snorkelling and Diving Heaven
Heron Island is home to over 900 species of fish and 72% of the coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef. This means that you can see a wide range of colourful and fascinating creatures, from tiny clownfish and seahorses to giant groupers and sharks. You can also see the Great Eight, the eight iconic marine animals that are the highlights of the reef: whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, giant clams, maori wrasse, and cod. Snorkelling and diving on Heron Island is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.
How to Snorkel and Dive on Heron Island
Snorkelling and diving on Heron Island is easy and convenient. You can snorkel straight off the beach onto the reef, or join a boat trip to explore further afield. You can also rent or buy all the equipment you need from the dive centre, or bring your own. The best time to snorkel and dive on Heron Island is from September to March, when the water is warmer and the visibility is higher. However, you can enjoy the reef all year round, as the water temperature rarely drops below 20°C. Snorkelling and diving on Heron Island is safe and fun, as long as you follow the rules and regulations of the marine park, such as not touching or feeding the animals, not collecting or damaging the coral, and not littering or polluting the water.
Snorkelling and diving on Heron Island is also affordable, as you can choose from different packages and options that suit your budget and preferences. Heron Island is rated 4.5 out of 5 for snorkelling and diving, and many visitors have praised the professionalism and friendliness of the dive staff, the quality and cleanliness of the equipment, and the diversity and abundance of the marine life.
Some of the best snorkelling and diving sites on Heron Island are:
Heron Bommie: This is the most famous and popular dive site on Heron Island, and for a good reason. It is a large coral formation that rises from 18 metres to 5 metres below the surface, and hosts a variety of fish, coral, and invertebrates. You can see schools of barracuda, trevally, and snapper, as well as moray eels, lionfish, and nudibranchs. You can also spot turtles, rays, and sharks, and if you are lucky, you might even see a whale or a dolphin.
Coral Gardens: This is a great snorkelling site that is close to the shore and suitable for beginners. It is a shallow and sheltered area that has a lot of soft and hard coral, as well as anemones, sponges, and sea fans. You can see clownfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and damselfish, as well as starfish, sea cucumbers, and crabs. You can also see turtles, rays, and sharks, and sometimes even a dugong or a manta ray.
Gorgonia Hole: This is a challenging and exciting dive site that is only for experienced divers. It is a deep and narrow hole that goes down to 30 metres, and has a lot of gorgonian fans, black coral, and sponge. You can see big fish, such as groupers, cod, and tuna, as well as lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. You can also see turtles, rays, and sharks, and occasionally a hammerhead or a tiger shark.
Blue Pools: This is a relaxing and scenic dive site that is suitable for all levels of divers. It is a series of shallow and clear pools that are connected by sandy channels, and have a lot of coral, fish, and invertebrates. You can see parrotfish, surgeonfish, wrasse, and goatfish, as well as clams, urchins, and worms. You can also see turtles, rays, and sharks, and sometimes a dolphin or a whale.
Witness the Turtle’s Cycle of Life on Heron Island
Another major attraction of Heron Island is its role as a turtle sanctuary. Heron Island is a nesting and hatching ground for two species of endangered sea turtles, the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see them in their natural habitat, and witness their amazing cycle of life. Seeing the turtles on Heron Island is a magical and memorable experience that will touch your heart and soul.
Why Heron Island is a Turtle Sanctuary
Heron Island has been a turtle sanctuary for thousands of years, as it provides the ideal conditions for the turtles to breed and hatch. The island has a long and sandy beach that is protected from predators and human interference, and that is easy for the turtles to access and dig their nests. The island also has a warm and nutrient-rich water that is full of food and shelter for the turtles and their hatchlings. The island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which means that the turtles are legally protected and conserved.
The turtles have a fascinating and complex cycle of life, that involves migration, mating, nesting, hatching, and survival. The turtles can travel thousands of kilometres across the ocean, but they always return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs. The turtles mate in the water near the island, and then the females come ashore at night to dig their nests and lay their eggs. Each nest can contain up to 120 eggs, and each female can lay up to four nests per season. The turtles nest from October to March, with the peak in December and January. The eggs incubate for about two months, and then the hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way to the water. The hatchlings hatch from December to May, with the peak in February and March. The hatchlings face many dangers and challenges, such as predators, dehydration, and pollution, and only a few of them survive to adulthood. The turtles can live for up to 80 years, and reach sexual maturity at around 30 years. The turtles are loyal and faithful, and mate with the same partner for life.
Heron Island hosts up to 4000 turtle nests per season, and is one of the most important and largest rookeries in the world. The island is home to two species of turtles, the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle, which have different characteristics and behaviours. The green turtle is the most common and abundant species on the island, and accounts for about 90% of the nests.
The green turtle is named after the colour of its fat, not its shell, which can be brown, grey, or olive. The green turtle can grow up to 1.5 metres in length, and weigh up to 300 kilograms. The green turtle is a herbivore, and feeds mainly on seagrass and algae. The green turtle is a social and friendly animal, and often interacts with divers and snorkellers.
The loggerhead turtle is the less common and more endangered species on the island, and accounts for about 10% of the nests. The loggerhead turtle is named after its large and powerful head, which can crush hard-shelled prey, such as crabs, lobsters, and molluscs. The loggerhead turtle can grow up to 1 metre in length, and weigh up to 150 kilograms. The loggerhead turtle is a carnivore, and feeds mainly on crustaceans and molluscs. The loggerhead turtle is a shy and solitary animal, and rarely interacts with humans.
How to See the Turtles on Heron Island
Seeing the turtles on Heron Island is easy and rewarding, as long as you respect their space and privacy, and follow the rules and regulations of the marine park. You can see the turtles all year round, but the best time to see them is from November to April, when the nesting and hatching season is in full swing. You can see the turtles in different ways, such as snorkelling, diving, walking, or joining a guided tour. You can also choose from different times of the day, such as morning, afternoon, or night, depending on your preference and availability.
Some of the best ways to see the turtles on Heron Island are:
Snorkelling and diving: This is the best way to see the turtles in the water, and to get close and personal with them. You can snorkel or dive from the beach or from a boat, and you can see the turtles feeding, resting, or mating. You can also see the females coming up to the surface to breathe, or the males fighting for the females. You can snorkel or dive at any time of the day, but the best time is in the morning or in the afternoon, when the light is better and the water is calmer.
You can also snorkel or dive at night, when the turtles are more active and the reef is more colourful. Snorkelling and diving with the turtles is an amazing and unforgettable experience, but you have to be careful and respectful. You should not touch, chase, or harass the turtles, or interfere with their natural behaviour. You should also keep a safe distance from them, and avoid blocking their path or their access to the surface. Snorkelling and diving with the turtles is a privilege and a responsibility, and you should follow the guidelines and instructions of the dive staff and the marine park.
Walking: This is the best way to see the turtles on the beach, and to witness their nesting and hatching process. You can walk along the beach at any time of the day, but the best time is at night, when the females come ashore to lay their eggs, or in the early morning, when the hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their way to the water. You can walk by yourself or join a guided tour, and you can see the turtles digging their nests, laying their eggs, covering their nests, or returning to the water. You can also see the hatchlings crawling out of the sand, orienting themselves, or running to the water. Walking with the turtles is a magical and moving experience, but you have to be careful and respectful. You should not touch, disturb, or help the turtles, or interfere with their natural behaviour. You should also keep a safe distance from them, and avoid stepping on their nests or their tracks. You should also use a red light or no light at all, as white light can disorient or scare the turtles. Walking with the turtles is a privilege and a responsibility, and you should follow the guidelines and instructions of the tour guides and the marine park.
Joining a guided tour: This is the best way to see the turtles and learn more about them, and to support their conservation and research. You can join a guided tour that is offered by the resort or by the research station, and you can see the turtles in the water or on the beach, depending on the season and the availability. You can also learn more about the turtles, their biology, their ecology, their behaviour, and their threats, from the expert guides and researchers.
You can also participate in some of the conservation and research activities, such as tagging, measuring, or monitoring the turtles, or adopting a turtle or a nest. Joining a guided tour is an educational and rewarding experience, but you have to be careful and respectful. You should follow the instructions and directions of the guides and researchers, and respect their rules and protocols. You should also respect the privacy and confidentiality of the data and information that they share with you. Joining a guided tour is a privilege and a responsibility, and you should follow the guidelines and instructions of the resort and the research station.
Heron Island is featured in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024 for turtle watching, and many visitors have described it as a life-changing and awe-inspiring experience. Seeing the turtles on Heron Island is something that you will never regret, and something that you will always remember.
Stay at an Exclusive Resort on Heron Island
If you are looking for a comfortable and luxurious place to stay on Heron Island, then you should definitely check out the Heron Island Resort. Heron Island Resort is the only accommodation option on Heron Island, and it offers a range of rooms, suites, and villas to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, as a family, or as a group, you will find the perfect place to relax and enjoy the island’s beauty and tranquility.
Why Heron Island Resort is a Perfect Choice for Your Island Getaway
Heron Island Resort is a perfect choice for your island getaway, as it provides everything you need for a memorable and enjoyable stay. The resort has a variety of facilities and services that cater to your needs and wants, such as:
A restaurant: The resort has a restaurant called Shearwater Restaurant, which serves delicious and fresh dishes made from local and seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy a buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch, and a three-course dinner, with a selection of Australian and international cuisines. You can also enjoy a stunning view of the ocean and the reef from the restaurant’s terrace, and watch the sunrise or the sunset.
A bar: The resort has a bar called Baillie’s Bar, which offers a wide range of drinks, snacks, and entertainment. You can sip a cocktail, a beer, or a wine, and munch on a pizza, a burger, or a salad, while listening to live music, playing trivia, or watching sports. You can also mingle with other guests, or relax on the lounge chairs.
A lounge: The resort has a lounge called Pandanus Lounge, which is a cozy and elegant space where you can read a book, play a game, or chat with your friends. You can also enjoy a coffee, a tea, or a cake, and browse the internet with the free Wi-Fi.
A pool: The resort has a pool that is heated and saltwater, and that is surrounded by palm trees and sun lounges. You can swim, splash, or soak in the pool, and enjoy the warm and soothing water. You can also order a drink or a snack from the poolside service, and relax under the sun or the shade.
A spa: The resort has a spa called Aqua Soul Spa, which offers a range of treatments and therapies that will pamper and rejuvenate you. You can choose from massages, facials, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, and more, and enjoy the natural and organic products that are used. You can also enjoy a private and peaceful atmosphere, and a view of the garden and the ocean.
A shop: The resort has a shop called The Reef Shop, which sells a variety of items and souvenirs that you can buy for yourself or for your loved ones. You can find clothing, accessories, jewellery, books, toys, art, and more, and support the local and indigenous artists and businesses. You can also find essentials, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, toiletries, and snacks.
A dive centre: The resort has a dive centre called Heron Island Dive Centre, which is a PADI 5 Star Resort Dive Centre that offers snorkelling and diving equipment, courses, and trips. You can rent or buy all the gear you need, or learn how to snorkel or dive with the professional and friendly instructors. You can also join the daily boat trips that will take you to the best snorkelling and diving sites on the reef, and see the amazing marine life.
Heron Island Resort has been awarded the Advanced Ecotourism Certification by Ecotourism Australia for its commitment to environmental sustainability and conservation. The resort uses renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and reduces its water and waste consumption. The resort also supports the research and education activities of the Heron Island Research Station, and participates in the protection and restoration of the reef and the island.
How to Book Your Stay at Heron Island Resort
Booking your stay at Heron Island Resort is easy and convenient. You can book online through the resort’s website, or by phone or email. You can check the availability, the rates, the packages, the cancellation policy, and the contact details on the website, or ask the friendly and helpful staff for more information. You can also choose from different packages and offers that the resort has, such as:
Turtle Experience: This is a package that includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and a turtle tour. You can see the turtles nesting and hatching on the beach, and learn more about them from the expert guides. You can also enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and a turtle souvenir. This package is available from November to April, and costs from $399 per person per night.
Reef Adventure: This is a package that includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and a snorkelling or diving trip. You can snorkel or dive on the reef, and see the amazing marine life. You can also enjoy a complimentary snorkelling or diving lesson, and a reef souvenir. This package is available all year round, and costs from $449 per person per night.
Family Escape: This is a package that includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner, and a family activity. You can choose from a semi-submarine tour, a sunset cruise, a nature walk, or a star gazing session, and enjoy the island’s attractions with your family. You can also enjoy a complimentary kids club, and a family souvenir. This package is available all year round, and costs from $499 per family per night.
Stay Longer: This is an offer that gives you a discount if you stay longer at the resort. You can save up to 25% off the regular rates, depending on the length of your stay. You can also enjoy all the facilities and services that the resort offers, and make the most of your island getaway. This offer is available all year round, and requires a minimum stay of three nights.
Heron Island Resort is recommended by the World Wildlife Fund as a top destination for wildlife watching, and many guests have raved about the resort’s location, comfort, and hospitality. Staying at Heron Island Resort is something that you will never regret, and something that you will always remember.
Heron Island is a coral cay paradise on the Great Barrier Reef, and the ultimate island getaway for nature lovers. You can snorkel and dive in the world’s largest coral reef, witness the turtle’s cycle of life on the island, and stay at an exclusive resort on the island. You can also enjoy other activities and attractions on the island, such as bird watching, nature walking, star gazing, semi-submarine tours, sunset cruises, and more. You can also learn more about the island’s ecology, history, and culture, and support its conservation and research. Heron Island is a place that will enchant you with its natural beauty, charm you with its wildlife, and inspire you with its eco-experience.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive guide to Heron Island, and why it is the ultimate island getaway for nature lovers. Book your stay at Heron Island Resort now and experience the coral cay paradise for yourself.