Heron Island - Blue Pools

★★★★☆ (55)

The Blue Pools is a popular snorkelling spot at Heron Island, but is also a wonderful place to dive. While snorkellers generally limited themselves to the sheltered cove in the reef, divers are free to explore the sloping coral reef and numerous gutters, ledges and caves.

The Blue Pools is a popular snorkelling spot at Heron Island, but is also a wonderful place to dive. While snorkellers generally limited themselves to the sheltered cove in the reef.

Dive Activity

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
35 Sightings
J
5
F
2
M
1
A
2
M
3
J
0
J
3
A
6
S
5
O
3
N
3
D
2
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray

Reef Manta Ray
14 Sightings
J
4
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
2
J
0
A
1
S
2
O
2
N
0
D
1
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle
10 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
9 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
1
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
8 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
2
A
3
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
4 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
Alamy-National Geographic Creative
Leatherback Turtle

Leatherback Turtle
3 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1
Show More
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
22 Sightings
J
3
F
1
M
1
A
3
M
4
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
1
O
1
N
4
D
2
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark
17 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
1
A
4
M
2
J
0
J
1
A
2
S
1
O
1
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
13 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
1
O
1
N
3
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
13 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
3
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
3
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
10 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
10 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
9 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
3
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
8 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
3
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
6 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
6 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
5 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
5 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
4 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 22

Shutterstock-andrzej_67
Cod

Cod
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
3 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0
iStock-FionaAyerst
Lemon Shark

Lemon Shark
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-Nigel Marsh
Wobbegong

Wobbegong
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett
Guitarfish

Guitarfish
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3500

Unsplash-pascal van de vendel
Soft Corals

Soft Corals
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-Lindsey Dougherty
Silvertip Shark

Silvertip Shark
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock-Miroslav Halama
Cornetfish

Cornetfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder

Flounder
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Shutterstock-Roberto Dani
File Fish

File Fish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80000

Shutterstock-AFD GRAPHICCELL
Sea Snails

Sea Snails
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 1500

iStock-ifish
Hard Corals

Hard Corals
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Crinoids

Crinoids
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 1700

Shutterstock-Ethan Daniels
Sea Cucumbers

Sea Cucumbers
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

Dive Sites Nearby

Keith D. (#2415073)
Heron Island <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Heron Island (★4.3)

Heron Island is a coral cay located near the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern Great Barrier Reef, 80 kilometres north-east of Gladstone Park, Queensland, Australia, and 460 km north-north-west of the state capital Brisbane
Aqualung
Heron Island - Pams <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Heron Island - Pams (★4.5)

Dropping down the mooring line you will be surrounded by colourful reef fish. A big field of staghorn coral will lead you to a bommie with healthy coral.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Heron Island - Gorgonia Hole <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Heron Island - Gorgonia Hole (★4.4)

It is not uncommon to see turtles hiding among the cracks and crevices at this site. Lots of little holes to stick your head in, and lots of interesting little (and big) creatures to find. Expect to see painted crayfish, green, loggerhead and hawksbill (if you’re lucky) turtles and lion fish.
Aqualung
Heron Island - North Bombie <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Heron Island - North Bombie (★4.2)

Named after the large bommie that is the main feature of this dive. North bommie is covered in glass and cardinal fish that are harassed all day by dozens of coral trout, coral cod and barramundi cod.