Meet the site
Blue Pools is a shallow dive on the northern edge of Heron Reef where wind and wave action have carved channels and gutters into the reef. The centrepiece is a sheltered pool roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool, open to the ocean, which gives the site its name. Depths range from about 4 to 16 m, with the outer slope reaching 20 m. The interesting topography creates plenty of places for animals to shelter. Turtles and wobbegong sharks rest beneath the ledges, whitetip reef sharks become active and patrol the channels at high tide, and cowtail stingrays feed on the sandy bottom. Small reef fish and invertebrates line the gutter walls, and batfish, snapper and groper are regular visitors around the pool. Because it is shallow, sheltered and full of animals, Blue Pools is described by operators as a good dive for entry-level divers, and it is often used for newer divers early in a stay. More experienced divers enjoy it too, especially for photography in good light and for the reliable turtle and shark encounters. The combination of gutters, pool and reef slope makes the dive feel varied even at shallow depth. Navigation is straightforward if you follow the guide through the channels and back to the mooring. Blue Pools is often dived as a pair with North Bommie, only about 100 m away, which offers a contrasting single-bommie cleaning station dive. As with all of Heron's northern sites, the best light and visibility usually come on the incoming tide, when clearer oceanic water pushes up onto the reef edge.
What you might see
Turtles, wobbegong sharks, whitetip reef sharks, cowtail stingrays, batfish, snapper, groper, small reef fish, invertebrates
Location
A shallow site on the northern edge of Heron Reef with channels, gutters and a sheltered pool about the size of an Olympic swimming pool open to the ocean; good for entry-level divers.
Facilities nearby
Heron Island Resort dive centre beside the harbour: gear hire, nitrox availability should be checked, rinse tanks, lockers; resort restaurant and bar. No public facilities – access is for resort guests only.
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
diversiondivetravel.com.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.