Blue Pearl Bay

Blue Pearl Bay is one of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays, tucked into the north-west side of Hayman Island. The bay is a Marine National Park (green) zone, so its coral and fish life are protected. You can snorkel straight off your boat, or take the dinghy to the coral beach and swim out from there. Day boats arrive mid-morning, so on a self-skippered charter you can have the reef almost to yourself early in the day.

Snorkelling at Blue Pearl Bay

The bay is about 1 km long, with two small beaches at the foot of steep, bushy hills. Both beaches are fronted by coral reef flats that run around 100 to 200 m offshore, before dropping away to deeper reef. Depths range from about 3 to 18 m, with visibility of around 3 to 15 m depending on conditions. Coral formations and reef fish fill both the shallows and the deeper water.

• Giant Maori wrasse: snorkel just out from the dinghy markers and you are likely to meet a resident giant Maori wrasse or two. They are curious and come close, but please don’t feed them.
• Gear: every guest on a Whitsunday Escape charter, including children, gets a mask, fins and snorkel free of charge. Prescription masks and wetsuits can be hired.
• Best views: snorkel when the water is 1 to 2.5 m above the reef for the best look at the coral.
• Stay safe: don’t swim or snorkel between dusk and dawn, in murky water, or where fish are being caught or cleaned. Wear a stinger suit from about November to May.

Certified divers will also find some of the best fringing reef diving in the islands here.

Rental Equipment

Snorkelling nearby

Blue Pearl Bay sits at the top of the Whitsundays, close to some of the best reef in the islands.

• • Langford Island: a long sand cay and sea grass, a favourite feeding spot for turtles.
  • Butterfly Bay, Hook Island: a sheltered bay on the north side of Hook Island with coral and reef fish.
  • Manta Ray Bay and Pinnacle Bay, Hook Island: popular day stops on the north end of Hook Island.
  • Luncheon Bay, Hook Island: home to a resident family of clownfish.

Getting ashore

Marker sticks show the safe spots to land your dinghy on the coral beach. The reef flats are wide and shallow, so go ashore at mid to high tide and check tide times. Never drag the dinghy or walk across live coral.

Bushwalk to the lookout

A bush track starts from the southern beach and climbs the hill for views over the bay and the northern islands. Hayman Island’s 7.8 km walking trail circles much of the island past Blue Pearl Bay and Dolphin Point.  Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water.

Hayman Island resort

The InterContinental Hayman Island Resort sits on the other side of the island, and offers luxury dining and facilities. Visiting boats are welcome by prior arrangement.

Best time to visit Blue Pearl Bay

You can snorkel here all year, with water of about 23°C in winter and 27°C in summer. April to October is the best season, with steady south-east winds that suit this anchorage. Stinger season runs from about November to May, so wear a stinger suit when you swim. At any time of year, arrive early in the morning for calm water and fewer boats. If the wind swings to the north or west, the bay is exposed, so find another anchorage for the night.

How to get to Blue Pearl Bay

• Sail yourself: Whitsunday Escape is based at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, and you get a full briefing on the boat, navigation, tides and anchorages before you leave.
• Travel time from Airlie Beach: About 2.5 hours by power boat, or 3 hours by sailing catamaran under motor.

Where to moor and anchor at Blue Pearl Bay

Public moorings. 7 Free public moorings sit right over the snorkelling area. They are first come, first served, with one boat per mooring and a 2-hour limit during the day. You can stay on a mooring overnight.

Anchoring. The bay is deep, so if you anchor, lay out all your anchor chain. Anchor in sand, never on coral, and stay outside the reef protection markers.

Overnight. Protected from north-east, east and south-east winds. Check the forecast before staying the night.

Anchoring tip: check the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning maps on board before you arrive. No fishing is allowed in the bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish at Blue Pearl Bay? No. Blue Pearl Bay is a Marine National Park (green) zone, so fishing is not allowed. See Fishing in the Whitsundays for where you can fish.

Can you stay overnight at Blue Pearl Bay? Yes. Public moorings can be used overnight, and the bay is protected from north-east to south-east winds. Move on if the wind turns north or west.

Is Blue Pearl Bay good for beginner snorkellers? Yes. You can enter from the coral beach, and coral and fish start close to shore. Snorkel in calm conditions and float over the coral rather than standing on it.

Can you visit the Hayman Island resort on a charter? Yes, by prior arrangement with the resort. See for berthing details and fees.

When is the best time to snorkel Blue Pearl Bay? Early morning, before the day boats arrive, on a calm day with the water 1 to 2.5 m above the reef.