Red Island is a small, rocky island rising from the turquoise waters off the western side of Cape York Peninsula, near the tip of mainland Australia. Perched at the edge of the Torres Strait, this remote outcrop is surrounded by fringing reefs and seagrass beds that support a rich marine ecosystem. Its exposed red sandstone cliffs give the island its name, and the waters around it are known for excellent fishing and decent snorkeling over shallow coral bommies. The strong tidal currents that sweep through the channel between the island and the mainland bring nutrient-rich water, attracting a variety of marine life. Access is exclusively by boat, typically from Seisia or Bamaga, and the island's isolation means you'll often have the reef to yourself.
Red Island
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DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
Red Island has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Saltwater crocodile presence danger
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) inhabit the coastal waters of Cape York, including the waters around Red Island. Always exercise extreme caution.
- Extreme remoteness danger
Boydong Island is extremely remote — the nearest medical facilities are many hours away. Any injury or medical emergency would require lengthy evacuation.
- Saltwater crocodiles danger
Crocodiles (saltwater) are present in the coastal waters of Cape York, including Shelburne Bay and around the cays.
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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High risk: Saltwater crocodile presence
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) inhabit the coastal waters of Cape York, including the waters around Red Island. Always exercise extreme caution.
High risk: Extreme remoteness
Boydong Island is extremely remote — the nearest medical facilities are many hours away. Any injury or medical emergency would require lengthy evacuation.
High risk: Saltwater crocodiles
Crocodiles (saltwater) are present in the coastal waters of Cape York, including Shelburne Bay and around the cays.
Moderate risk: Outgoing tide current
Strong tidal flows move through the channel between Red Island and the mainland. Snorkelers should be aware of changing tide conditions and avoid being swept away from the reef.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and other marine stingers are present in tropical Queensland waters, particularly during the warmer months.
Moderate risk: Tidal currents
Strong tidal currents can sweep through the narrow channels between the Boydong Cays, particularly during spring tides. Swimmers should be aware of changing tide conditions.
Low risk: Remote location
Red Island is a remote location with no facilities or emergency services. Boat access only, and help may be far away.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rubble
Coral rubble and sharp reef rock make up much of the shoreline and shallow reef flat. Reef shoes are essential to avoid cuts.
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Getting in
Red Island lies off the west coast of Cape York Peninsula, near the community of Seisia. Access is by private boat or charter from Seisia Wharf, approximately 20 minutes offshore. Seisia is reached via the Peninsula Developmental Road north to the tip of Cape York.
Limited parking is available at the Seisia boat ramp area. The closest town with supplies is Bamaga, 5 km south of Seisia.
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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.