Meet the site
Stonehaven is one of the principal overnight anchorages in the Whitsundays, a sheltered bight on the western side of Hook Island where yachts shelter from the south-east trades. It is not a showpiece dive, but it has two notable qualities: convenience for anyone anchored there, and resilience. When the ABC surveyed the Whitsunday fringing reefs after Cyclone Debbie in April 2017, it found that Stonehaven had retained healthy coral because the surrounding geography sheltered it from the wind, while nearby northern bays were devastated. 100 Magic Miles describes the dive as scattered small coral heads on a silty sand bottom, at 2–12 m with 2–10 m visibility, where tides control visibility and neap tides are best. Damselfish, Christmas tree worms and nudibranchs are the typical subjects – this is a site for macro and relaxed snorkelling rather than big fish or dramatic structure. Snorkelling is recommended only at high tide, when there is enough water over the coral. Red Cat Adventures' Thundercat snorkel tour lists 'Stone Haven Bay' for its coral gardens, and sailing charters use it daily as an overnight stop, so the anchorage is busy with boats and tenders. For divers on overnight sailing trips, Stonehaven offers an easy dusk or dawn dive or snorkel without moving the boat, and a good place to look for nudibranchs and small invertebrates. Those seeking more exciting diving should use the moorings on the northern side of Hook Island. Night snorkels and dives from yachts are popular here, but anchored boats swing on their chains and tenders move constantly after dark, so carry a torch and strobe and stay close to your own vessel.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Stonehaven Anchorage (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.
- 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 Stonehaven Anchorage (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 Stonehaven Anchorage (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
Damselfish, Christmas tree worms, nudibranchs, small coral heads, reef fish
Location
Sheltered anchorage on the western side of Hook Island with scattered small coral heads on a silty sand bottom.
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.comabc.net.auredcatadventures.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.