Does Whitsundays have stingers?

Stinger season in the Whitsundays runs from late October to May. We have two species of stingers that create the primary concern for visitors – the box jellyfish and the much smaller and almost impossible-to-see, Irukandji.

Do you need a stinger suit in the Whitsundays?

During stinger season in the Whitsundays, it is highly recommended that all visitors wear a protective stinger suit when entering the water.

Are there jellyfish in the Whitsundays?

Irukandji is a group of jellyfish which are known to cause symptoms of a potentially dangerous syndrome called Irukandji Syndrome. There are currently 14 known species of Irukandji, however only a few of these species have the potential to occur in the waters around the Whitsundays.

Can you swim in the ocean at the Whitsundays?

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!

Are there crocodiles at 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.

Deadly Jellyfish or marine stingers in the Whitsundays

When can you not swim in the Whitsundays?

Stinger season is from October to May when higher water temperatures attract large numbers of Box and Irukandji jellyfish. You can see jellyfish in the Whitsundays all year round, but there's a lot more of them around this time.

Are there sharks in Whitsundays?

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 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.

Why is the water so blue in the Whitsundays?

Very fine sediment suspended in the region's waters scatters sunlight as it penetrates the water, creating the shade of blue that makes the Whitsundays famous.

Why is no one swimming at Airlie Beach?

Stinger season in Airlie Beach is from November to May when large populations of Box and Irukandji Jellyfish swim to the warm waters. Getting stung by one of these guys can be extremely painful or even deadly.

Can you swim all year round in Whitsundays?

Smooth sailing, crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and waterfront beach houses are not seasonal here in the Whitsundays. Daily temperatures average at 27 °C, perfect for island exploration and traipsing across the Whitsunday seas. The water maintains an average of 25 °C, so you can take a dip all year round!

Does Whitsundays have snakes?

The Whitsundays is home to several snake species with both venomous and non-venomous species. The more dangerous species include taipans, which are considered among the world's most venomous animals, as well as tiger snakes, black snakes and death adders.

What is the best month to go to the Whitsundays?

September and October is peak season in the Whitsundays. The skies are typically clear, light winds to set your sails and the sun is shining bright. November to December is a perfect time to beat the school holiday visitors. Often we will experience a change in the winds to be more northerly.

Do I need stinger suit on Whitehaven Beach?

Yes, stinger suits are highly recommended during the Whitsundays stinger season from October to May, even at Whitehaven Beach. The tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef create an ideal environment for marine stingers to reproduce during the warmer Australian months.

Can you swim at Hamilton Island without a stinger suit?

We will also let you know that if you are entering the water, we recommend wearing a stinger suit and while it is your own personal preference to do so, we do let you know that 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.

Can crocodiles get into stinger nets?

“Unfortunately crocodiles can enter those (nets) and ... we have situations where every morning in summer our lifesavers and lifeguards will drag those nets for stingers. “But they're going in knowing there may or may not be a crocodile in there.”

Why is Whitsundays so special?

The Whitsundays are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which means they are part of the world's largest living ecosystem. The islands have what are called 'fringing reefs' that circle around the islands and provide amazing snorkelling locations, as well as ideal habitats for the many fish that live here!

Why is Whitsundays famous?

With thousands of visitors coming from near and far every year, the Whitsundays is internationally famous for its pristine silica sand beaches, luxurious island resorts, flourishing fringing reefs, and perfect tropical temperatures!

Was Pirates of the Caribbean filmed in the Whitsundays?

The new Pirates of the Caribbean movie is the fifth instalment in the series and was partly filmed in the Whitsundays, as have many films, shows and commercials before it, including Muriel's Wedding, Fools Gold, Broken and Dead Calm.

Can you swim at Whitehaven Beach Stingers?

While they may look a little dorky, stinger suits do not affect your ability to swim and have a good time so there is no need to avoid the water in stinger season! If you are still unsure about whether or not to swim at Whitehaven Beach you can always seek the advice of your tour guide on the day.

Are there mosquitos in the Whitsundays?

The answer is yes, there are mosquitoes in Airlie Beach and in the Whitsundays. Mozzies thrive and inhabit tropical and humid areas. However, since they play an important role in the ecosystem and exist all over the world, mosquitoes are not really worth panicking about.

Why are there no crocodiles in 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.

Are the Whitsundays worth visiting?

From romantic couples sailing tours on a luxurious catamaran, jam-packed family-friendly day tours of the Whitsunday Islands, or budget-friendly backpackers trips sure to get you laughing with friends old and new! Is it worth going to the Whitsundays you ask? Yes, it is!

Is there stingers at Hamilton Island?

January through March also coincides with stinger season (running from October to May). During this time, the waters surrounding Hamilton Island may contain the harmful box jellyfish and the Irukandji jellyfish, both of which can deliver a potentially fatal sting.

What is stinger season in 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.