Blue Pools is a renowned snorkel and dive site on the northwest side of Heron Island, deep within the Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This sandy-bottomed lagoon is edged by vibrant coral bommies and whip-coral forests, where crystal-clear water reveals a stunning parade of marine life. The site is famous for its resident trumpetfish, large schools of snapper, giant moray eels peeking from rocky crevices, and white-tip reef sharks resting on the sand. Gentle currents sweep through the pools, delivering excellent visibility and a true sense of drifting through a living aquarium.
Blue Pools
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.2 sWind Speed 1.2 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Tidal current through the channel
Currents can sweep through the channel between the reef and the sandy flat, particularly around tide changes. Snorkelers should be comfortable swimming in mild current.
Low risk: Moray eels and reef sharks in close quarters
Giant moray eels and white-tip reef sharks are regularly sighted here. While not aggressive, they can be startled if approached too closely or cornered in crevices.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rocky bommies
The reef drop-off and rocky coral bommies require careful finning to avoid contact with sharp coral and stinging hydroids.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Heron Island is accessible by boat or helicopter from Gladstone, Queensland. Blue Pools is a dive/snorkel site off the northwest side of the island, reached by boat tour from the Heron Island Resort.
Parking & facilities
Park your vehicle at the Gladstone marina (paid parking available). No parking on Heron Island itself — the island is car-free and accessed by ferry or helicopter transfer from Gladstone, Queensland, Australia. Resort guests have secure parking options at the mainland departure point.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports