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Heron Island: Private Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Dive

Reach one of the Great Barrier Reef's most pristine coral cays — a true bucket-list immersion where turtles, reef sharks and thousands of tropical fish surround you the moment you wade in.

What to expect

A scenic 45-minute high-speed catamaran from Gladstone Marina delivers you to this 16-hectare coral cay encircled by 24 km² of protected reef. Drift snorkel above staghorn coral gardens teeming with hawksbill turtles and leopard sharks. Guided dive packages pair you with PADI-certified resident instructors who know every bombora and bommie. Non-divers can join a guided reef walk at low tide with a marine biologist narrating the ecosystem underfoot.

Book it with
Heron Island Resort (Baillie Lodges)
AUD 99 per adult (ferry transfer from Gladstone Marina); dive packages from AUD 85 per dive
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Good to know

Ferry departs Gladstone Marina at 11:00 AM; confirm the return sailing aligns with your all-aboard time. Pre-book the ferry and any dive packages directly on the Heron Island website — spaces are strictly limited. Bring reef-safe sunscreen; standard sunscreen is banned on the island.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Gladstone — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Pursuit
10 nights · calls at Gladstone
from $5,536
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Regent · Seven Seas Explorer
12 nights · calls at Gladstone
from $10,299
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See all cruises to Gladstone →
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