

Best for beginner divers, 2-5m, shore & boat entry, mild current.
Butterfish Bay on Great Keppel Island offers a shallow reef environment suitable for beginners. Depths range from 2 to 5 metres, with visibility typically between 10 and 25 metres. The site features hard corals and plate coral formations. While currents are generally mild, they can strengthen, and it is recommended to dive at high slack tide. The bay is protected from south-easterly winds, providing calm conditions. Species recorded around this area include hawksbill sea turtles, ornate wobbegongs, epaulette sharks, and various wrasses and rock cod. Divers should be aware of boat traffic and the presence of jellyfish, with thin lycra suits recommended for protection.
-23.15492, 150.96633
Visit between April and October for the calmest, clearest conditions, and arrive early in the morning before any afternoon currents pick up. Wearing a thin lycra suit will also help with any jellyfish in the water.
The site is best accessed by boat from Great Keppel Island or the mainland (Yeppoon). Shore access is possible via a 1.5-hour hike from Fisherman's Beach on Great Keppel Island. Ferries run daily from Keppel Bay Marina to the island.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 5m
Visibility
10-25m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
20-28°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Species recorded around this area include hawksbill sea turtles, ornate wobbegongs, epaulette sharks, bluespotted fantail rays, and various wrasses and rock cod.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow depths of 2 to 5 metres and generally calm, protected conditions.
Yes, Butterfish Bay is suitable for both diving and snorkelling given its shallow depth profile.
The site is accessible by both shore and boat entry.
The best months to visit for the calmest and clearest conditions are April through October.
Hazards include boat traffic, jellyfish, and potential currents. Diving at high slack tide is advised to avoid stronger currents.
Diving at Butterfish Bay in Yeppoon requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Butterfish Bay in Yeppoon. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Butterfish Bay in Yeppoon. Water temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C.
Butterfish Bay in Yeppoon typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Butterfish Bay in Yeppoon typically ranges from 10 metres to 25 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.