Hiros Cave is a premier snorkel and dive site on the eastern side of Lady Elliot Island, at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. This 10–25m deep ledge features a cleaning station at 16m where manta rays and silvertip sharks are frequently seen. The entire wall is blanketed in life — huge gorgonian fans, anemones with clownfish, turtles, angelfish, jacks, and schooling fish. Drift south along the coral-encrusted ledge from the Blowhole and Tubes to reach this sheltered underwater cave system, where the clear waters (visibility up to 40m) offer an unforgettable snorkeling experience.
Hiros Cave
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.2 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Strong currents and drift conditions
Hiros Cave is on the exposed eastern side of Lady Elliot Island, more susceptible to wind and swell. Strong currents can develop, particularly when drifting between dive sites.
Low risk: Depth range (10–25m)
Depths range from 10m to 25m, requiring good buoyancy control and comfort at depth for snorkelers and divers.
Low risk: Boat-access only (no shore entry)
The site is only accessible by boat with no shore entry options, necessitating reliance on boat schedules and operator guidance.
Low risk: Cool water temperatures in winter (18°C)
Water temperatures vary between 18°C (winter) and 28°C (summer), with cooler months potentially causing cold stress for extended exposure.
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Lady Elliot Island is located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, accessible by scenic flight from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, or Brisbane, or by boat. Hiros Cave is a dive/snorkel site on the eastern side of the island, reached via a short boat ride (max 10 minutes) from the island resort. No shore access — boat access only.
Parking & facilities
No parking at the site itself. Lady Elliot Island is a coral cay — all visitors arrive by air or charter boat. Parking is available at Bundaberg Airport or Hervey Bay marinas.
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Accessible via Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort packages; day-trippers and overnight guests book snorkel/dive boat trips. No public day access without a tour operator.
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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