Swimming and snorkelling amid nature on Hamilton Island

Getting active amid nature not only boosts your physical health, but also your mental health. Dive in to these watery experiences on Hamilton Island.

We’ve collected your most frequently asked questions about all things related to splashing, diving, plunging, dipping, snorkelling and swimming when you visit Hamilton Island. Now all you have to do is choose which beach or pool to cool off in. 

Can you swim on Hamilton Island?

Yes, you most certainly can swim when you visit Hamilton Island!

Where can I swim on Hamilton Island?

We have a mix of swimming pools and beaches where you can enjoy being in the water on Hamilton Island.

Pools on Hamilton Island:

There are three main swimming pools along Catseye Beach, which any guest of the island can enjoy swimming in:
 
Dolphin Pool
Close to Sails restaurant and offers a spectacular view over Casteye Beach.

Main Pool
This is our largest swimming pool. With its freeform shape, it has plenty of space for everyone and the lush tropical gardens surrounding the edges make it the perfect place to relax, poolside. A popular feature is the pool’s swim-up bar, where you can order your favourite drink without having to leave the pool. 

Bougainvillea Pool
Undoubtedly our most popular pool for those travelling with kids. This pool has a shallow section to make swimming easier for little ones, shady trees and a great view out to Catseye Beach. A wonderful spot to spend time as a family.

If you are staying at Reef View Hotel, Beach Club Resort or certain holiday homes, these locations also have their own additional swimming pools, which are for the exclusive use of the guests who have booked to stay at those venues. Check the details of your accommodation to confirm access to these additional swimming pools.

Beaches on Hamilton Island:

We also have three beaches that are open and accessible to all guests of the island.
 
Catseye Beach
This is the most popular beach on Hamilton Island and an easy walk from most accommodation. The beach is long and curved with many sun lounges, and is a perfect spot for relaxing. For those looking to get into the water, it is a calm and generally flat, not to mention crystal clear. In short, it’s great for swimming and enjoying a whole range of fun watersports.

At low tide on Catseye Beach, a popular activity is exploring the flats and taking a leisurely stroll on the sand and see the island from a different perspective. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a turtle or some hermit crabs!

Coral Cove & Hidden Bay
Thanks to our new and improved walking trails, getting to our secluded beaches has never been easier. You can take a day pack and head out on your own adventure. Coral Cove and Hidden Bay are popular destinations for those looking to get active, enjoy a picnic or stroll along the water beach on the other side of the island.

What time of year can you swim on Hamilton island?

You can swim on Hamilton Island throughout the year. We’re a tropical island location and the water temp is good all year round, staying quite warm even in the winter months.

Are any of the pools heated on Hamilton Island?

During the cooler periods, the Reef View Hotel, Beach Club and Bougainville Pools are heated. In the height of summer, these systems are reversed to cool the water in these pools down a little, ensuring the water temperature is great for swimming all year round.

What are the opening times of the swimming pools?

The pools are open from sunrise to sunset.

Are there any advisory warnings for swimming at Hamilton Island?
The surrounding waters of Hamilton Island are part of the Whitsundays marine ecology and as such the same care needs to be given as any other beach location. 

During the summer months when the ocean is warm, the waters of the Whitsundays experience an increased presence of the small transparent jellyfish known as irukandji.
 
With this in mind, please avoid swimming on secluded beaches and always swim in the presence of others. If you do wish to swim in the ocean at the secluded beach, we would recommend you wear a stinger suit.

When swimming at Catseye Beach our team will advise of any conditions which need your attention. They will have signs with advisory warnings and we ask you to read these and follow directions.

We recommend wearing a stinger suit whenever you jump in the ocean, and while it is your own personal preference to do so, wearing one will reduce your risk of stings. 
  
Suits are $5 to hire from 8.00am - 4:45pm at the Beach Sports Hut on Catseye Beach.
 
Please note: Resort pools are not supervised by a lifeguard and care should be taken at all times. Furthermore, children are required to be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times when in the water at the pools or beaches.
 
We also ask that you listen to the instructions given by our Beach Sports team on use of equipment and directions they might have.

Can I snorkel at Hamilton Island?

The Whitsundays is one of the most pristine destinations in the world with spectacular coral formations, hundreds of species of fish, turtles, manta rays and even dolphins and whales at certain times of the year.
 
With an vibrant coral reef just off Hamilton Island, the snorkelling opportunities are fantastic for guests. You are able to hire snorkelling equipment from our Beach Sports Hut on Catseye Beach and explore the area independently.
 
Simply head out to the fringing reef directly off Hamilton Island’s Catseye Beach at low tide.
 
If you’re on the search for a new shelled-friend (aka turtle), head out towards the buoys at the back of Catseye Beach and keep your eyes peeled – the turtles love to eat the seagrass found there.

You can also take a snorkelling tour off Hamilton Island to places like the Great Barrier Reef and to fringing reefs found at close by islands. Our tour desk will be happy to help pick the best excursion for you.