Butterfly Bay is a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay on the northern coast of Hook Island, protected from prevailing winds by steep forested hills that create calm, glassy water conditions ideal for snorkelling. A fringing coral reef system hugs the shoreline, with coral bommies and sandy channels that host colourful reef fish, sea turtles, and rays. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Whitsunday Islands National Park, this peaceful anchorage is a favourite stop for luxury yacht charters exploring the Whitsundays. The bay's reliable calm conditions and close-to-shore reef make it one of the most accessible snorkelling locations in the region.
Butterfly Bay, Hook Island
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 2.5 sWind Speed 1.6 knPrecipitation 0.8 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: High tide coral visibility
Coral bommies may be challenging to locate at high tide, increasing risk of disorientation or accidental coral contact.
Low risk: Reef sharks in deeper water
Small reef sharks are occasionally observed in deeper water areas; generally harmless but may startle swimmers.
Low risk: Vessel traffic
Boat traffic from charter yachts and tenders entering and leaving the bay.
Low risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinger season in tropical Queensland waters; marine stingers (jellyfish) may be present.
Low risk: High tide submerged bommies
The best coral bommies are located in the centre of the bay and can be difficult to locate at high tide when water levels obscure reef structures.
Low risk: Marine traffic and mooring lines
Vessels must use public moorings to avoid anchor damage. Swimming near mooring lines or anchored boats carries entanglement risk.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Butterfly Bay is located on the northern coast of Hook Island in the Whitsunday Islands, approximately 30 km northeast of Airlie Beach and about 20 km from Hamilton Island Marina. Accessible only by boat — private yacht, charter vessel, or snorkel tour. Depart from Airlie Beach (Coral Sea Marina) or Hamilton Island Marina; travel time is roughly 1 hour from Airlie Beach or 40-50 minutes from Hamilton Island.
Parking & facilities
No parking — Butterfly Bay is accessible only by boat. Parking is available at departure marinas (Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island Marina).
Butterfly Bay lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; a Marine Park permit/EMC levy is typically included in charter fees. Public moorings are available — no additional anchorage fee.
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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