

Butterfly Bay is a calm, accessible reef site suited to new divers and snorkellers. With no current and depths ranging from 5 to 20 metres, you can comfortably explore at your own pace without feeling rushed or out of your depth. Visibility runs from 2 to 10 metres depending on conditions, so choose a clear day for the best experience. The reef supports a variety of local reef species, giving beginners a genuine taste of Queensland's underwater world. Be aware of boat traffic in the area, stay close to your group, and always surface with your safety sausage visible.
-20.07000, 148.92778
Avoid the summer months of June, July and August when conditions tend to be less favourable, and aim to dive in the morning when visibility is generally at its best. Check locally for current facility availability before you head out.
Access info coming soon
As you're entering by boat, be aware of potential strong currents when you first get in. Shuffle your feet in the shallows to avoid sharp coral and any unseen marine life. Keep an eye out for jellyfish and sharks, and stay clear of them.
Depth
5-15m
Visibility
2-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-23°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Butterfly Bay in Queensland's Whitsunday Region offers diving depths from 5 metres to 20 metres. This shallow to moderate depth range makes the site accessible for divers of various experience levels. The maximum depth of 20 metres allows for comfortable bottom times without requiring advanced decompression procedures.
Butterfly Bay is suitable for beginner divers, with depths starting from just 5 metres and extending to 20 metres. The site has no current, which creates calm conditions ideal for those new to diving. The gentle environment allows novice divers to build confidence whilst exploring the Whitsunday waters.
Butterfly Bay is accessed exclusively by boat from the Whitsunday Region in Queensland. No shore entry is available at this location. Divers should arrange transport through local dive operators or charter services operating in the Whitsundays.
The best months to dive Butterfly Bay are January through May and September through November. This timing avoids the mid-winter period of June through August. The recommended months typically offer more favourable diving conditions in the Whitsunday Region.
The primary hazard at Butterfly Bay is boat traffic, as the Whitsunday Region is a popular recreational boating area. Divers must deploy surface marker buoys and maintain awareness when ascending. The absence of strong currents reduces other navigational risks at this site.
No specific dive certification is required for Butterfly Bay beyond a basic open water qualification. The beginner-friendly conditions and shallow depth range make it accessible to newly certified divers. The maximum depth of 20 metres falls well within recreational diving limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Butterfly Bay in Whitsunday Region. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 23°C.
Butterfly Bay in Whitsunday Region is home to Red Staghorn Coral, Blue Staghorn Coral, Anemonefish, Blue Spotted Stingray, Butterflyfish, and Damselfish. Marine life sightings vary by season and conditions.
Butterfly Bay in Whitsunday Region has depths ranging from 5 metres to 15 metres.