Pelican Island is a secluded, rugged 15-hectare island 5 km east of Emu Park in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Covered in native grassland and low vine thickets, this rarely visited island offers a true castaway experience. Its fringing reefs and crystal-clear waters provide excellent shore-entry snorkelling straight from the beach, with coral bommies, colourful reef fish, and the chance to spot sea turtles and stingrays in the shallows. With only one campsite and zero facilities, it rewards adventurous snorkelers seeking solitude and wild, unspoiled marine habitat.
Pelican Island (Keppel Bay Islands)
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Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 2.4 sWind Speed 1.3 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase flood
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Remote location — no facilities
Pelican Island is a remote, off-grid location with no facilities, no fresh water, and no emergency services. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can run through Keppel Bay, especially around the island's fringing reefs. Snorkelers should be mindful of tidal flow and avoid swimming against the current.
Low risk: Marine stingers (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish) are present in Keppel Bay waters during the warmer months. Wearing a stinger suit is recommended.
Low risk: Boat access only — beach landing
The island is accessible only by boat and there is no jetty or formal landing — beach landings may be challenging in swell or wind.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Pelican Island is located 5 km east of Emu Park on the Capricorn Coast, Queensland. Access is by private boat or water taxi from Rosslyn Bay Harbour, Emu Park, or Great Keppel Island. Water taxi services include Freedom Fast Cats Wild Duck Taxi and Keppel Explorer.
Parking & facilities
Parking is available at the Rosslyn Bay Harbour boat ramp and car park, and at Emu Park boat ramp facilities. No parking on the island itself — it is vehicle-free and remote.
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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