Can you swim at Whitsundays beaches?

Can You Swim In The Whitsundays? The short answer is, yes! The Whitsundays are one of nature's biggest playgrounds with 74 islands, dozens of beaches and kilometres of reefs teeming with marine life. Unparalleled in its appeal to snorkelers, scuba divers and boaties, it is an aquatic paradise!

Can you swim in the water at Whitsundays?

If you're wondering whether it's safe to swim in the Whitsundays, the short answer is yes. That being said, there are some no swimming zones and you should know what to watch out for, listen to local advice and stay alert at all times – just as you should when swimming anywhere else in Australia or beyond.

Where can I not swim in the Whitsundays?

Naturally formed Heart Reef is located in The Whitsundays, the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, however, you can not swim or snorkel here. We recommend enjoying a scenic flight over Heart Reef either by helicopter or seaplane, for a brilliant photographic opportunity.

Can you swim in water at Airlie Beach?

The 4,300 square metre Airlie Beach Lagoon pool is patrolled by lifeguards and crocodile-free. It is safe to swim in the lagoon – and free to enter. The Whitsunday Islands are home to some of the most marvellous beaches in Australia.

Do you need a wetsuit in Whitsundays?

Stinger suits (wetsuits) are provided to each guest, at little or no cost, to minimise any risk of being stung whilst in the Whitsundays waters. It is important to wear your wetsuit during any water-based activities, including swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving!

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When can you not swim in the Whitsundays?

Stinger Season

For the warmer months of the year, it is advised to swim in the Whitsundays' waters with a stinger suit, unless swimming in freshwater. Due to increased temperatures, there is an increase in marine stingers that can be harmful and potentially deadly.

Are there crocodiles in Whitsundays?

Large, salt-water (estuarine) crocodiles live in the waters around the Whitsundays and can attack without warning. Old adults can be nearly 4m in length. These predators are present and hunting at most times of the year, but particularly around summer wet seasons, and are difficult to see in the water.

Is it safe to swim at Whitehaven Beach?

The short answer is yes!

Whitehaven Beach has a shallow shoreline and is sheltered from the open ocean by the other islands in the Whitsunday group and the outer reef. There are no big waves or rip tides to worry about here, the water is usually relaxed and calm and suitable for swimmers of all strengths.

Are there sharks in the Whitsundays?

The most common sharks you will spot in the Whitsundays are reef sharks, including Blacktips, Whitetips and Wobbegongs. These shark species are largely shy and non-aggressive, fleeing quickly at the sight of swimmers.

Does Airlie Beach get crocodiles?

The simple answer is no, there are not commonly crocodile sightings in Airlie Beach. However, it has happened. Most commonly, crocodiles that are spotted around the Airlie Beach area are in marinas such as Coral Sea Marina. While it is extremely rare, it can always be a possibility.

Are there stingers on Whitsunday Islands?

Stinger season in the Whitsundays runs from late October to May. The warm tropical waters in the Whitsundays and around the Great Barrier Reef are the right conditions for stingers. However, being stung by a jellyfish is an infrequent occurrence.

Are there Stingers at Airlie Beach?

Stinger Season comes around every year in Airlie Beach during the warmer months. From October to May, we find ourselves sharing the water with various types of venomous jellyfish. Irukandji, box jellyfish and bluebottles thrive here in Airlie's warm, tropical waters.

Are there great whites in Whitsundays?

Whitsunday Shark Species

You won't find larger sharks like Great Whites in the Whitsundays, however large Lemon, Hammerhead, Grey Whaler, Leopard, and Tiger Sharks are found. Most commonly spotted are non-threatening reef sharks, including Blacktips, Whitetips and Wobbegongs.

Where are the most sharks in Whitsundays?

Cid Harbour is the known spot for shark attacks in the Whitsundays with an unusual cluster occurring in 2018. The waters around Cid are deep and home to larger school fish which attract sharks.

Are there crocodiles around Hamilton Island?

There is also a wildlife park on Hamilton Island, which houses another saltwater crocodile, so enquire with us how to visit for the day or overnight to watch these incredible apex predators.

Can you swim at the beaches on Hamilton Island?

Can you Swim on Hamilton Island? Yes, you most certainly can swim when you visit Hamilton Island! The main swimming pool with swim-up bar next to Catseye Beach.

Why are there no crocodiles at Airlie Beach?

No, crocodiles are not found in the island waters of the Whitsundays as they prefer to stick close to the mainland and scarcely wander out to sea. Saltwater crocodiles are extremely territorial reptiles that don't like to swim very far from the murky waters of their habitats.

Can Crocs bite underwater?

Crocodilians have a special valve at the back of their throat (a palatal valve) which stops water from entering the throat. This means that any crocodilian species can open its mouth and bite even when submerged, and the majority of crocodilian attacks occur this way.

Can you swim at Airlie Beach in May?

If you're visiting Airlie Beach, you might be wondering if it's safe to swim. The short answer is yes.

What is the best time to visit the Whitsundays?

Early spring, specifically the month of September, is considered the best time to visit the Whitsundays. Everything aligns in September thanks to the consistently sunny weather, low humidity, light trade winds and perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Are there dugongs in Whitsundays?

Dugongs are often spotted in particular bays around the Whitsunday Islands. They are here in numbers but they avoid boats and people. As they have been a popular target for the indigenous tribes over the years, it is thought they have a healthy knowledge of how to avoid humans.

Are there sharks near Hamilton Island?

A girl and a elderly woman have been bitten by a shark in the Whitsundays, continuing a spate of attacks in the popular north Queensland region. The pair had been in shallow waters at Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island when they were attacked about 9.30am on Thursday, a Queensland ambulance spokesman says.

Is there sharks in Hamilton Island?

Sharks exist in the Whitsunday Marine ecosystem, as they do in all Australian marine ecosystems. Don't swim at dawn, dusk or night. Don't swim in murky or unclear water. Always swim with others.

Are there sharks in Whitehaven Beach?

Whitehaven Beach is perhaps best known for its dazzling white sand, crystal clear waters and perfect photographic opportunities, but is often a good place to see sharks. It's home to both blacktip reef sharks and baby lemon sharks, which use the calm and shallow waters waters as a nursery.

Is Hamilton Island safe?

Hamilton Island and the rest of Queensland is generally regarded as safe.