419 Dive Log Australasia AUGUST 2026

Heron Island .. Let the magic begin

text and photos by Mike Scotland

Magic Sunsets on the reef.

H eron Island has some of the best diving in the entire South Pacific. This is due to the total protection of marine life of most of Heron Reef. All of the Is land’s dive sites is a dedicated Green zone where all forms of fishing are not permitted. All marine life has been protected and allowed to recover from all forms of predation and exploitation for decades. The result is simply awesome; magnificent; wonderful! These Green zones along with Heron Island are alive! The dives are fun.

The diving here is better than most overseas dive destinations. I can say that with some authority after dozens of dive trips all across the Pacific. Some countries have very few turtles or Coral trout or any fish larger than a dinner

plate, especially after Covid. The dive guides overseas are filled with wonder when I tell them that the Great Barrier Reef has many huge Coral Trout and abundant Turtles everywhere. Other places have close to zero sharks or rays.

We saw our first Manta Ray on Day One,

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DIVE LOG Australasia #419- August’ 26

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