Meet the site
Black Island, known to many sailors as Bali Hai, is a small, steep island lying between Hayman and Hook islands. 100 Magic Miles describes its West Reef as small scattered coral heads on a silty sand bottom at 3–12 m, with small colourful fish and 2–10 m visibility. It offers an easy 'shore dive' from the north-western corner, where a small beach allows boat-based divers to land and enter without a boat drop. The reef is not dramatic, but the coral heads host a good range of small reef fish, and the silty sand around them can reward macro divers with gobies, shrimps and nudibranchs. Snorkelling is possible, though the guide notes it becomes deep at high tide. The main hazard is current. Strong offshore currents run past the island, particularly at the northern end, where the tidal stream between Hayman and Hook accelerates. Divers should stay on the western reef, dive near slack water and not venture north. Black Island is visited mainly by sailing charters and bareboats working the Hayman–Hook area, and occasionally by dive boats looking for an alternative site. Its condition after Cyclone Debbie, which damaged the nearby northern Hook and Hayman reefs heavily, has not been specifically documented. For those already anchored nearby, it is a reasonable easy dive; it is not a destination in its own right. Skippers should keep a lookout for the tidal race off the northern end when approaching, anchor only on sand in permitted areas and leave someone aboard, as the current can make it difficult for divers to return to an unattended boat.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Black Island (Bali Hai) is recorded as Island in Whitsundays & Bowen. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Black Island (Bali Hai) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Black Island (Bali Hai) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Small colourful reef fish, damselfish, gobies, shrimps, nudibranchs, coral heads
Location
Small island between Hayman and Hook islands with a west reef of scattered coral heads on silty sand, diveable from the north-western corner.
Facilities nearby
Departures from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) and Hamilton Island marina; air fills, hire and courses at Airlie Beach dive centres. No facilities at the bays.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
100magicmiles.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.