Lady Elliot Island is a pristine coral cay perched at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, voted #1 best place to snorkel in the world by Lonely Planet for 2025. The surrounding reef drops straight off the beaches, offering instant access to dazzling coral gardens, shimmering lagoons, and a kaleidoscope of marine life. With dedicated beginner, intermediate, and advanced snorkel trails, this marine park sanctuary delivers world-class snorkelling minutes from shore — a true coral cay paradise where the reef begins at your feet.
Lady Elliot Island Reef
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Wave Height 0.1 mSwell Period 6.2 sWind Speed 1.1 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep around the cay, especially at the island's northern and southern tips. Snorkellers should check tide times and stick to marked snorkel trails.
Low risk: Marine stingers (jellyfish)
Stinging marine stingers (including box jellyfish) are present in warmer months. Stinger suits are recommended and available for hire.
Low risk: Sun exposure
The subtropical sun is intense over the shallow reef. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are risks without adequate protection.
Low risk: Sharp coral / reef cuts
Shallow coral bommies and reef edges near shore can cause cuts and scrapes. Snorkellers should wear reef shoes and avoid touching coral.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
3 photos from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Lady Elliot Island is a remote coral cay 80 km north-east of Bundaberg, Queensland. Access is exclusively by scenic flight from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, or Brisbane (Redcliffe), or via charter boat. Day trips and resort stays are available. Bookings are essential via Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.
Parking & facilities
Parking available at departure airports (Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Redcliffe) — not on the island itself.
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Day trips include return scenic flight, snorkel equipment, guided snorkel tour, and buffet lunch. Resort guests pay a reef fee (approx. $8.50/person/day from April 2026).
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Gallery ┬╖ 3 photos
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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