Dive in Hayman Island

Travel to Hayman Island

Part of the Cumberland Islands and the most northern of the Whitsunday Islands, Hayman Island is privately owned with only one expensive resort, making it difficult for anyone on a budget to visit.  If you have the funds though, a visit to this island will impress you no end!

The best way to get there is from Hamilton Island airport.  You can catch a boat, sea plane or helicopter.  The hotel will help organise your transport once you’ve made a booking.

The five star resort is amazing, with five tennis courts, two squash courts, various pools set in tropical lush forest and a couple of fine dining restaurants with delicious seafood for you to enjoy.  A standard room is $650 a night or a deluxe room pool suite for $1200 a night with only breakfast included.  Expect to pay a lot for lunch and dinner.

There are many water activities to partake in such as wind surfing, water skiing, canoeing and snorkelling or diving.  Keep fit in the wellness centre or get a facial or massage in the beauty centre.  Relax on the beach with a cocktail and enjoy the view.  The place is absolutely stunning.  A fishing tour or boat cruise is some other activities available.  

The diving and snorkelling off the beach is amazing, or go on a boat trip to a few of the outer sites.  The island has its own private mooring on the reef.  With the diverse Great Barrier Reef sea life, you’re bound to see some amazing fish and coral.  

Blue Pearl Bay near Castle Rock is a lovely dive and great for snorkelling too, as is the site East Reef.  Both have some scattered bommies and a sandy bottom and good for all levels but can be subject to strong current in certain weather conditions.  You can see lovely coral and friendly fish on these sites.  Dolphin Point is a site for certified divers to see the big stuff such as trevally, mackerel, barracuda and maybe a shark or two.  

Other sites include Stepping Stones, Manta Ray Bommie, Gary’s Inlet and Banjies.  Head out to Knuckle Reef Lagoon where you can spend the day on the pontoon with a private swimming area, slide and viewing platform.  You can go on a glass bottom boat or try the Sea Walker Experience, like diving without having to get certified.  

This will truly be a holiday of a lifetime and the island a wonderful place to have your wedding or honeymoon.  

(By Kelly Luckman)