Meet the site
Butterfly Bay is a deep indentation in the northern coast of Hook Island and one of the most popular bareboat anchorages in the Whitsundays, offering shelter from the prevailing south-easterlies. 100 Magic Miles describes a site of coral outcrops with shallow walls at 5–12 m, with many small, colourful fish, and visibility of 2–10 m. The best snorkelling is along the bay's edges or off the beach, particularly the western reef ledge; towards the centre of the bay tidal currents can be a problem. The fringing reef along the bay's rocky sides is the dive. Coral outcrops, small walls and ledges host damselfish, butterflyfish (fittingly), angelfish, wrasse and parrotfish, and the bay's shelter makes it a convenient late-afternoon or early-morning dive for yachts anchored overnight. Maori wrasse and turtles are regular, and in winter the bay is one of several northern Hook sites where manta rays may appear. Butterfly Bay was listed by the ABC as 'partially destroyed' by Cyclone Debbie in 2017, when much branching coral was snapped. Large coral structures survived, and recovery has been underway since; operators and sailors again use the bay for snorkelling, but coral cover will not match pre-2017 descriptions everywhere. The bay is in a Marine National Park green zone, with no-anchoring areas marked over coral – yachts must anchor in permitted sand areas or use public moorings. It suits snorkellers and Open Water divers looking for an easy, shallow reef close to an overnight anchorage. Its value is convenience and shelter rather than drama.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Butterfly Bay (Hook Island) is recorded as Reef 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.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
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 Butterfly Bay (Hook Island) 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 Butterfly Bay (Hook Island) 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
Butterflyfish, damselfish, angelfish, wrasse, parrotfish, Maori wrasse, turtles, manta rays (winter), hard corals
Location
Deep, north-facing bay on northern Hook Island, a popular bareboat anchorage with coral outcrops and shallow walls along its edges.
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.com100magicmiles.comabc.net.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.