[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":308},["ShallowReactive",2],{"leaderboard-total":3,"spot-seo-keswick-island-dive-sites-20-named-sites":9,"spot-keswick-island-dive-sites-20-named-sites":51},{"entries":4,"total":5,"period":6,"type":7,"generated_at":8},[],0,"all_time","reports","2026-10-03T06:32:05.526386Z",{"title":10,"description":11,"canonical_url":12,"og_image":13,"structured_data":14,"breadcrumbs":44},"Snorkeling Conditions at Keswick Island dive sites (20 named sites) - How's the Spot","Check snorkeling conditions at Keswick Island dive sites (20 named sites), Queensland. Good conditions, water 23.3°C, waves 0.10m","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fspots\u002Fkeswick-island-dive-sites-20-named-sites","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.syd1.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\u002Fspots\u002Fimport_keswick-island-dive-sites-20-named-sites_0_bb6e1f0826a2.jpg",[15,28],{"@context":16,"@type":17,"name":18,"description":19,"url":12,"geo":20,"address":24},"https:\u002F\u002Fschema.org","Place","Keswick Island dive sites (20 named sites)","Keswick Island, fringed by the Great Barrier Reef, offers 20 named dive and snorkel sites ranging from shallow coral gardens at Connie Bay and Coral Gardens to swim-through caves, deep canyons, and...",{"@type":21,"latitude":22,"longitude":23},"GeoCoordinates",-20.908948,149.405901,{"@type":25,"addressRegion":26,"addressCountry":27},"PostalAddress","Queensland","Australia",{"@context":16,"@type":29,"name":30,"description":11,"url":12,"breadcrumb":31},"WebPage","Snorkeling Conditions at Keswick Island dive sites (20 named sites)",{"@context":16,"@type":32,"itemListElement":33},"BreadcrumbList",[34,39,42],{"@type":35,"position":36,"name":37,"item":38},"ListItem",1,"Home","https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com",{"@type":35,"position":40,"name":26,"item":41},2,"https:\u002F\u002Fhowsthespot.com\u002Fexplore?region=queensland",{"@type":35,"position":43,"name":18,"item":12},3,[45,47,49],{"label":37,"href":46},"\u002F",{"label":26,"href":48},"\u002Fexplore?region=queensland",{"label":18,"href":50},"\u002Fspots\u002Fkeswick-island-dive-sites-20-named-sites",{"id":52,"name":18,"slug":53,"latitude":22,"longitude":23,"description":54,"difficulty":55,"image_url":13,"status":56,"tide_constituents":57,"hazard_entries":108,"access_info_structured":242,"area_boundary":113,"routes":113,"created_at":249,"updated_at":250,"today_conditions":251,"today_verdict_view":272,"images":297,"submitted_by":305,"region_name":26,"verification_status":307,"verified_at":113,"disputed":257,"verifier_count":5,"last_verified_display_name":113},"a493a556-8630-4a69-b153-ca75e53610bd","keswick-island-dive-sites-20-named-sites","Keswick Island, fringed by the Great Barrier Reef, offers 20 named dive and snorkel sites ranging from shallow coral gardens at Connie Bay and Coral Gardens to swim-through caves, deep canyons, and four known shipwreck sites. The island's leeward side provides sheltered conditions with vibrant coral bommies and bommie fields. The diversity of terrain — from easy shore-entry snorkelling in the shallows to more advanced drift dives over deeper reef walls — makes it a standout destination in the Whitsundays & Mackay region. Green, hawksbill, flatback and loggerhead turtles are commonly seen, along with manta rays, Maori wrasse, and humpback whales during migration season.","beginner","published",{"name":58,"amplitude":74,"phase":90,"latitude":22,"model":106,"epoch":107},[59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73],"2N2","J1","K1","K2","M2","M4","MF","MM","N2","O1","P1","Q1","S1","S2","T2",[75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89],0.05459099784649722,0.024747704419488134,0.38304842381764104,0.15910284059160226,1.5358549667394108,0.02499299392588609,0.011015867519922213,0.03429275923310885,0.3775478324763892,0.18565624985763918,0.11461448158462333,0.03238140140691031,0.010770047683570504,0.5528105692719055,0.023728386524501186,[91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105],10.162432204250246,62.186467805328824,35.447303630831286,13.509580689756863,30.081327424672775,107.32828243140835,182.60106801188434,192.55997560176402,16.44025404056718,6.293330756259337,33.70378464911512,338.30502097741737,312.96833350437555,16.01792402188322,0.6211318857509082,"EOT20","1992-01-01T00:00:00Z",[109,114,117,121,124,127,130,133,136,141,145,148,152,155,158,161,164,167,172,175,178,181,184,187,190,193,196,199,202,205,208,211,214,217,221,224,227,230,233,236,239],{"name":110,"description":111,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal currents","Strong tidal currents can flow through the channels around Keswick Island, particularly between the island and the mainland. Snorkelers should be aware of changing tide conditions.","caution",null,{"name":115,"description":116,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine traffic","Boat traffic in the surrounding waters, especially during peak season, as the island is accessed by private vessels and charter boats.",{"name":118,"description":119,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Stingers (jellyfish)","Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical Queensland waters, particularly during the warmer months.","warning",{"name":122,"description":123,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sharp coral and reef","Coral and rocky reef formations can cause cuts and abrasions if touched. Swimmers should avoid standing on coral and be aware of surge zones near the reef edge.",{"name":125,"description":126,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong tidal currents in passage","The passage between Keswick and neighbouring islands can develop strong tidal currents. Snorkelers should stay close to shore and avoid the channel.",{"name":128,"description":129,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine stingers","Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical Queensland waters during the warmer months, peaking Nov-May.",{"name":131,"description":132,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Boat traffic","Boat traffic in the channel and around the island, particularly from ferries, charter vessels, and private boats accessing the marina.",{"name":134,"description":135,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Ocean surge and currents","Surge and currents can be strong around the reef fringe, especially at exposed sites and during tidal changes.",{"name":137,"description":138,"severity":120,"season_start":139,"season_end":140},"Marine stingers (jellyfish)","Marine stingers (jellyfish) are present in these tropical waters, with peak season from November to May.",5,11,{"name":142,"description":143,"severity":112,"season_start":139,"season_end":144},"Surge","Strong water movement can be present around the wreck, particularly during changing tides, requiring good buoyancy control.",10,{"name":146,"description":147,"severity":112,"season_start":139,"season_end":144},"Current","Tidal currents can develop around the wreck site, especially during spring tides.",{"name":149,"description":150,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":151},"Deep wreck sites (8–16 m)","Some wreck sites lie at depths of 8–16 m, requiring good buoyancy control and awareness of depth limits for snorkelers.",12,{"name":153,"description":154,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":151},"Sharp coral","Sharp coral and rocky reef edges are common at the wreck and reef sites.",{"name":156,"description":157,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong tidal currents in the passage","Strong tidal currents run through the passage between Keswick and neighbouring islands. Swimming in the passage is not recommended.",{"name":159,"description":160,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Shallow reef at low tide","The fringing reef is exposed and very shallow at low tide, making it difficult to snorkel over coral without damaging it or scraping yourself.",{"name":162,"description":163,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Marine stingers (box jellyfish)","Marine stingers (box jellyfish) are present in these tropical waters, particularly during the warmer months.",{"name":165,"description":166,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":151},"Outgoing tide current","Strong outflow currents can develop in channels between the island and the mainland, particularly around the northern and eastern points.",{"name":168,"description":169,"severity":112,"season_start":170,"season_end":171},"Humpback whale migration","Humpback whales migrate through the waters off Keswick Island from June to September — boat traffic and whale presence require caution.",6,9,{"name":173,"description":174,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Remote location","Limited medical facilities on the island. The nearest hospital is in Mackay, a 90-minute boat ride away.",{"name":176,"description":177,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal currents in reef channels","Strong tidal currents can run through the reef channels around Keswick Island, particularly during spring tides. Snorkelers should be aware of changing water movement and plan their sessions around slack tide.",{"name":179,"description":180,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Remote location with no lifeguards","Limited on-island facilities mean snorkelers must be self-sufficient. No lifeguards are present on the reef fringe.",{"name":182,"description":183,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Remote location — no lifeguard","Limited facilities and no on-site lifeguard services. Snorkellers should be self-sufficient and carry safety equipment.",{"name":185,"description":186,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Stinger season (box jellyfish)","Marine stingers including box jellyfish are present in the warmer months. Stinger suits are strongly recommended.",{"name":188,"description":189,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Low tide shallow reef","At low tide the fringing reef becomes very shallow, exposing coral heads and reducing navigable swimming areas. Snorkellers should take care to avoid coral contact.",{"name":191,"description":192,"severity":112,"season_start":36,"season_end":151},"Marine Park Regulations","Located in a Great Barrier Reef Green Zone — no fishing or collecting. Vessel access restrictions apply.",{"name":194,"description":195,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal currents around reef points","Some areas of the reef have strong tidal flows, especially around the island's points and channels. Snorkel with caution during outgoing tides.",{"name":197,"description":198,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Shallow coral and sharp reef","The reef has shallow coral bommies and plate corals close to shore; avoid contact to prevent injury and protect the reef.",{"name":200,"description":201,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Shipwreck hazards","Shipwreck sites and deeper reef features present entanglement and disorientation risks for inexperienced snorkelers.",{"name":203,"description":204,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Tidal currents in channels","Strong tidal currents can develop in the channels around Keswick Island, particularly between the island and the mainland. Snorkellers should be aware of changing tide conditions.",{"name":206,"description":207,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sharp wreckage and debris","The wreck structure is broken up with sharp, corroded metal edges and debris that can cause cuts or entanglement.",{"name":209,"description":210,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Strong currents in Egremont Passage","Strong currents run through Egremont Passage between Keswick and St Bees Island. Snorkelling along the shore towards Horseshoe Bay and at Coral Gardens is safe, but swimming in the passage itself is not recommended.",{"name":212,"description":213,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Shark presence","Reef sharks are occasionally sighted near Basil Bay. These are timid and generally avoid humans. Bull and tiger sharks have been reported in Egremont Passage — more aggressive species to be aware of.",{"name":215,"description":216,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Coral cuts and infection risk","Sharp coral cuts are common and can become infected quickly. Treat even minor scratches with disinfectant immediately.",{"name":218,"description":219,"severity":220,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Venomous marine life (cone shells, stonefish, blue-ringed octopus)","Cone shells, blue-ringed octopus, and stonefish inhabit the reef and are deadly if touched or stepped on. Look but do not touch.","danger",{"name":222,"description":223,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Egremont Passage Current","Strong currents flow through Egremont Passage between Keswick and neighbouring St Bees Island. Not recommended for swimming.",{"name":225,"description":226,"severity":120,"season_start":36,"season_end":139},"Marine Stingers","Marine stingers (including Irukandji and bluebottles) have been reported, particularly at Connie Bay. Bluebottles are occasional during king tides.",{"name":228,"description":229,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sharks","Bull and tiger sharks have been reported in Egremont Passage. Reef sharks in Basil Bay are timid but present.",{"name":231,"description":232,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Coral Cuts","Coral cuts can quickly become infected. Treat even small scratches with disinfectant immediately.",{"name":234,"description":235,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Cyclones","Keswick Island lies in the Queensland tropical cyclone zone. Cyclones can occur between November and April.",{"name":237,"description":238,"severity":120,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Remote location – limited services","Keswick Island is remote with no medical facilities. Visitors must be self-sufficient.",{"name":240,"description":241,"severity":112,"season_start":113,"season_end":113},"Sharp coral and rocky bommies","The reef fringe can have sharp coral and shallow bommies, requiring care to avoid injury.",{"directions":243,"parking":244,"facilities":245,"fees":247,"access_method":248},"Keswick Island is located in the southern Great Barrier Reef, approximately 30 km northeast of Mackay, Queensland. The island is accessible by private boat or charter. Multiple tour operators from Mackay offer day trips, including snorkel tours that visit Keswick Island's dive sites. The island has a small airstrip for private aircraft.","Parking available at the Mackay Marina or boat ramps on the mainland before charter departure.",[246],"toilets","Access via private boat is free; charter\u002Fsnorkel tour costs vary (typically $150–$250 AUD per person for a full-day reef tour from Mackay).","boat","2026-07-27T02:54:13.822714Z","2026-08-04T05:34:24.990881Z",{"verdict":252,"evaluated_at":253,"models":254},"go","2026-10-03T02:18:48.817374Z",[255,261,267],{"model_name":256,"is_favourable":257,"value":258,"threshold":144,"unit":259,"operator":260},"Wind Speed",false,13.86,"kn","lte",{"model_name":262,"is_favourable":263,"value":264,"threshold":265,"unit":266,"operator":260},"Wave Height",true,0.1,0.5,"m",{"model_name":268,"is_favourable":263,"value":269,"threshold":40,"unit":270,"operator":271},"Visibility",2.5,"","gte",{"verdict":252,"rating":273,"evaluated_at":253,"generated_at":253,"source":274,"confidence":275,"visibility":278,"parameters":279,"models_passed":43,"models_total":139},"Good","precomputed",{"level":276,"value":277},"High",100,{"score":269,"rating":113,"confidence":113},[280,282,287,290,294],{"name":262,"value":281,"label":113,"unit":266,"favourable":263,"score":43,"optimal_max":265,"marginal_max":36},0.100085982208,{"name":283,"value":284,"label":113,"unit":285,"favourable":263,"score":43,"optimal_max":286,"marginal_max":151},"Swell Period",2.25,"s",8,{"name":256,"value":288,"label":113,"unit":259,"favourable":257,"score":36,"optimal_max":144,"marginal_max":289},13.858098126121854,15,{"name":291,"value":5,"label":113,"unit":292,"favourable":263,"score":43,"optimal_max":139,"marginal_max":293},"Precipitation","mm",20,{"name":295,"value":113,"label":296,"unit":270,"favourable":257,"score":36,"optimal_max":113,"marginal_max":113},"Tidal Phase","flood",[298],{"id":299,"image_url":13,"sort_order":5,"is_primary":263,"moderation_status":300,"license":301,"license_url":302,"attribution":303,"author_name":304},"ae18608e-8313-4f0d-8224-9152b6daf46d","approved","CC BY-SA 4.0","https:\u002F\u002Fcreativecommons.org\u002Flicenses\u002Fby-sa\u002F4.0\u002F","Photo by Stuart McAndrew Photos","Stuart McAndrew Photos",{"display_name":306},"Daniel","unverified",1791009164328]