Butterfly Bay

Protected bay on Hook Island named after its blue Ulysses butterfly inhabitants

About Butterfly Bay

Butterfly Bay is a sheltered bay located on the northern side of Hook Island in the Whitsunday Islands. Sitting within Whitsunday Islands National Park, this protected anchorage is one of the most popular overnight stops for bareboat charter travellers exploring the region. The bay takes its name from the blue Ulysses butterflies that flutter around the creek beds and beach during certain times of the year, particularly winter months.

The bay actually consists of two coves - a larger western cove and a smaller eastern cove - both offering excellent snorkelling opportunities and protection from most wind conditions. Butterfly Bay features coral outcrops with shallow walls along the bay's edge, a sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxing, and a large coral bommie in the centre of the bay that hosts colourful reef fish. The seabed consists of coral cover mixed with patches of coral rubble and silty sand, creating diverse underwater terrain for exploration.

Hook Island is the second-largest island in the Whitsunday group at 53 square kilometres, predominantly covered by national park territory. Butterfly Bay offers protection from winds in all directions except northerlies, making it a reliable overnight anchorage. Limited Whitsunday Islands National Park moorings are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a two-hour restriction that extends to overnight use if moored by 4pm. Strong tidal currents flow through the passage between Hook and Hayman Islands, requiring careful navigation around submerged coral heads at the entrance.

What to Expect at Butterfly Bay

Butterfly Bay offers a peaceful, cosy atmosphere that appeals to travellers seeking a more intimate Whitsundays experience. The sandy beach provides easy access for swimming and snorkelling directly from shore, while the surrounding landscape features lush tropical vegetation and occasional wildlife sightings. Visitors searching for the bay's namesake butterflies will need patience and a bit of scrambling over rocks and branches along the creek beds - the blue Ulysses butterflies appear during specific seasons, typically winter months, and aren't guaranteed year-round.

Underwater, Butterfly Bay reveals why it remains a favourite with experienced sailors and bareboat charter travellers. Snorkelling along the bay's edge offers easy access to coral outcrops and shallow walls populated by small, colourful reef fish. The best snorkelling location sits in the centre of the bay where a large coral bommie hosts diverse marine life, though this spot can be challenging to locate at high tide. Visibility ranges from 2 to 10 metres depending on conditions, with diving depths between 5 and 12 metres. The varied seabed - coral cover, coral rubble patches, and silty sand - creates interesting topography for underwater exploration.

The bay's protected nature makes it ideal for various water activities beyond snorkelling. Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are popular in the calm waters, with many vessels carrying these toys for guests to use. Night-time brings a different atmosphere - fish can be spotted jumping with torches in the evening, and the sheltered anchorage provides a peaceful overnight experience with minimal swell. Early morning arrivals increase your chances of securing one of the limited public moorings, particularly during peak season when this popular spot fills quickly.

How to Get to Butterfly Bay

Bareboat Charters

Butterfly Bay is most commonly accessed via bareboat charters from Coral Sea Marina or Shute Harbour. The bay's popularity with bareboat travellers stems from its reliable protection, good holding ground, and free moorings. Charter companies often recommend Butterfly Bay as an excellent overnight anchorage when sailing between the northern Whitsundays and other popular destinations. Note that anchoring is restricted in certain areas due to reef, so using the available moorings is preferred.

Overnight Sailing Tours

Several overnight sailing tours from Airlie Beach include Butterfly Bay in their itineraries, particularly multi-day tours exploring Hook Island's northern regions. The bay serves as an overnight anchorage location where tours can offer snorkelling, swimming, and water activities. Tour itineraries vary based on weather and tidal conditions, so Butterfly Bay isn't guaranteed on every departure, but it features regularly on longer tours.

Private Charters

Private yacht charters offer the most flexibility for visiting Butterfly Bay, allowing you to set your own schedule and potentially secure moorings before crowds arrive. Work with your skipper to plan Butterfly Bay as a specific destination in your custom itinerary. The bay sits in the passage between Hook and Hayman Islands, requiring careful navigation due to strong currents and submerged coral heads, so experienced skippers familiar with the area are recommended.

Things to Do at Butterfly Bay

Nearby Attractions

Essential Information

Best Time to Visit

Butterfly Bay can be visited year-round, with the dry season (May to October) offering the most consistent conditions. The bay is protected from south and south-easterly winds but less comfortable during northerlies. Winter months (June to September) provide the best chance of spotting the blue Ulysses butterflies that give the bay its name. Peak sailing season sees moorings fill quickly, so plan to arrive early in the morning to secure a spot. Marine stinger season runs November to May, requiring protective clothing for swimming and snorkelling.

What to Bring

Snorkelling gear to explore the bay's coral, stinger suit during November-May season, torch for night-time fish spotting, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for coral beach areas, kayak or paddleboard if your vessel carries them, camera for butterfly spotting and underwater photography, and plenty of water. If arriving via bareboat charter, ensure you have proper charts and local knowledge for navigating the entrance.

Important Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

Tours to Butterfly Bay

Butterfly Bay is most commonly accessed via bareboat charters and overnight sailing tours from Airlie Beach. The bay serves as a popular overnight anchorage for multi-day sailing adventures exploring Hook Island and the northern Whitsundays.

Good to Know