Favourite Anchorages
Anchorage Inspirations: Blue Pearl Bay
Blue Pearl Bay is located on the north western side of Hayman Island in the Whitsundays Group. It is popular with tourists and locals for snorkeling, diving and sightseeing.
Under the Zoning Plan, Blue Pearl Bay is a Marine National Park Zone, or a Green Zone. Green Zones are ‘no-take’ areas and activities like fishing and collecting are not allowed.
Whilst Blue Pearl Bay is not the easiest place to anchor, the area is usually very calm and offers amazing recreational opportunities. There are five reef protection buoys located off the fringing reefs which you must anchor outside of to reduce damage to the reef. At the northern end of Blue Pearl Bay you will find Dolphin Point which is considered one of the best dive locations in the Whitsundays.
Blue Pearl Bay is also accessible from Hayman Island resort via walking trail or the Resorts own water taxi. When sailing around to Blue Pearl Bay, do not attempt to pass between Hayman and Arkhurst Islands but navigate around the South Western side of Arkhurst.
Navigation on the southern side of Hayman Island, between Hayman and Hook Islands, can be difficult as there are many hazards to negotiate. Recently though, many beacons and lights have been installed, helping to make the passage safer.
The area is also a great location for whale-spotting; during the season (July to early September) it is not uncommon to see whales and calves playing nearby. Although boats are not allowed to approach the whales within 100 metres, these inquisitive creatures will often approach your vessel, to show off their majestic beauty.
