Hiros Cave and The Tubes are two celebrated drift-dive-and-snorkel sites on the exposed eastern side of Lady Elliot Island, at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, the island's coral wall drops into deeper water undercut with ledges, swim-throughs, and caverns. Snorkellers drift along the wall past vibrant coral gardens, gorgonian fans, and overhangs while sea turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks glide by in the clear ocean current. Because the eastern side is more exposed to weather, these sites are less frequently visited than the western lagoons, offering a wilder, more adventurous experience.
Hiros Cave and The Tubes
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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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Moderate risk: Strong Ocean Currents
The eastern side of Lady Elliot Island is exposed to prevailing currents, making drift snorkelling the norm. Requires good fitness and comfort in moving water.
Moderate risk: Exposed Weather Conditions
The site is only accessible in calm to moderate conditions. Swell and wind from the east can shut the site down suddenly.
Low risk: Drift Snorkelling Hazards
Snorkellers must stay aware of the group and pick-up boat at all times. Getting separated from the group in the current can be dangerous.
Low risk: Sharp Coral and Reef Shelf
The wall has undercut ledges and coral shelves with sharp edges. Close encounters can cause cuts and scrapes.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Hiros Cave and The Tubes are located off the eastern side of Lady Elliot Island, approximately 80 km north-east of Bundaberg, Queensland. Access is via scenic flight (30 min from Bundaberg or Hervey Bay) or by boat tour. Snorkellers visit as part of a guided drift-snorkel tour operated by Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort or licensed charter operators. These eastern sites are weather-dependent and not always included in standard snorkel itineraries.
Parking & facilities
No parking at the site. Park at Bundaberg Airport or Hervey Bay airport if flying, or at the Bundaberg marina if taking a boat charter.
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Guided snorkel tours: ~AUD $50–$100/person (gear hire + guide). Day tours from Bundaberg/Hervey Bay: AUD $250–$595/adult.
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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