Heron Island Resort

“A marine park paradise”

I have thought clearly before making this review, because I’ve read some bad reviews, before booked this hotel, and I would like to tell you the real truth about it. This a really marine park paradise. And to keep it that way for the future of our grandsons, you need to focus on basic things and s… lisää

I have thought clearly before making this review, because I’ve read some bad reviews, before booked this hotel, and I would like to tell you the real truth about it. This a really marine park paradise. And to keep it that way for the future of our grandsons, you need to focus on basic things and skip the luxury. Of course the resort is dated and basic, but the most important things were there - paradise beaches, all sea fauna right on the beach, brilliant diving spots, great food, clearly rooms, friendly and happy staff, good organization and safety procedures. So we had a different holidays in a 3* hotel but the essencial was there and I’m backing home with great memories. Suggestions that could be improved and do not have impact on the marine life: cappuccinos at breakfast could be included; better room service (a couple of times they forgot to made our room), and a renovation of the accommodation. So, in the end I’m giving a 4* review to a 3* hotel, because we had a great time. A special thanks and mention to the dive center and all their dedicated team, who went diving with us on such a severe weather (rain and cold) conditions for a couple of days. We had fantastic dives and lots of videos to remember. This holiday make me reflected what is really important be good or pampered?

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“Location is right on the reef, lodging is older and food is expensive”

Yes - all about the expectations here. The Turtle Room I had was probably a typical one, older, low end and dated but, that's what I expected. Yes, everything feels a bit damp there, yep, what I expected. Expensive, just okay food, no cell service or $25/day wifi, etc. etc. yes yes and yes. All exp… lisää

Yes - all about the expectations here. The Turtle Room I had was probably a typical one, older, low end and dated but, that's what I expected. Yes, everything feels a bit damp there, yep, what I expected. Expensive, just okay food, no cell service or $25/day wifi, etc. etc. yes yes and yes. All expected. I will say that the scuba and snorkeling experience certainly did depend on who you had guiding you that day. Some good, some not so good. The big plus was being able to do 3 dives (or snorkels) each day since you're only minutes from 15 or so dive spots. That's wonderful! It is fun to be able to start your day with a snorkel off the beach (seeing multiple types of sharks and rays plus turtles each day) and end it with a reef walk at low tide (saw Epaulette sharks, octopus, cone shells, etc.). As a note - it is a nice touch that there are reef shoes available to borrow. Nothing to do with the Herron Island team or resort: The visibility wasn't great most days for diving/snorkeling and it wasn't the best place that I've gone for diving or snorkeling for coral (not as colorful), fish (not as diverse or plentiful) or other wildlife. That said, seeing a couple manta rays was wonderful! Overall - it was a good experience and the island is located directly on the reef.

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