Dive in Hamilton Island

Diving in Hamilton Island

The diving around Hamilton Island is amazing and if you’re staying there you should definitely do a few dives.  Most hotels will have a contact or head to the marina where you’ll find a dive centre.

There are sites for all levels and it’s a great place to do your diving courses or an introductory dive.  You can see lots of different reef fish, hard and soft corals, turtles, sharks or even a manta ray if you’re lucky.

Bait Reef on the outer reef has some amazing sites to explore.  It’s fabulous for snorkelers and all level of divers and is a macro photography paradise.  One of the most fantastic things about sites in the area is that Humpback Whales can often be heard or seen (when in season) on their migration path along the coastline.

The best site on Bait Reef is Manta Ray Drop Off where Manta Rays hang out in the winter months along with sharks and lots of schools of big fish.  Advanced divers will enjoy the drop off wall diving to 30 metres.  Another great dive is The Stepping Stones with lots of caves and canyons and cool critters to find.

Gary ’s Lagoon is a calm, shallow lagoon with a lot of coral and reef fish, Wobbegong Sharks and turtles.  This is a great place to snorkel or learn to dive. 

With these great dive sites around Hamilton Island , you’ll want to go back again and again.  Don’t forget to take your underwater camera with you!

Travel to Hamilton Island

One of the 74 Whitsunday Islands , Hamilton Island is the largest inhabitable island in this group.  You’ll find amazing beaches, wildlife, coral reefs, food and wine and activities in abundance, but in saying that it’s also one of the busiest of the Great Barrier Reef islands and may not feel like the private getaway that you were looking for. 

One of the major hubs to the Whitsundays Islands , Hamilton ’s airport is connected with daily flights to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.  From the airport you can connect by smaller light aircraft, sea planes or boat to other various islands in the vicinity.  There is transport available from the airport to wherever you’re staying on the island via taxi or shuttle bus.

You’d think that the bigger the island, the more budget accommodation you could find but that’s not really the case on Hamilton .  A double room will set you back around $220 for 2 people.  If you’re travelling in a group then it will work out a lot cheaper, a 2 bed apartment for 4 people from $280 and 3 bedroom for 6 people from $350.  This price doesn’t include any meals.  You can get a stunning beach suit for about $600.

There are over 60 activities to do on the island and in the water surrounding the island.  If you’re staying in a resort then you’ll more than likely get a few free activities to choose from such as paddle boarding, snorkelling, windsurfing or kayaking.  The most popular activity is exploring the reef and surrounding islands on a cruise and it’s a great way to appreciate the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands .

If you’re looking to relax you can chill on one of the many beaches with a book or pamper yourself with massage and spa treatment.  For an exciting adventure you can try Go Karting or Quad Biking through the bush.  Play a game of golf, go bushwalking on one of the many trails or visit the island’s wildlife park to meet some cool Australian animals.  Try diving or snorkelling on the surrounding reefs to see some great underwater life or go on a whale watching trip to see the Humpback Whales.

Whatever you choose to do you’ll surely have a great time.  Take a few days on a liveaboard around the Whitsunday Islands to see the true beauty the area has to offer.

(By Kelly Luckman)