Is it safe to snorkel in Whitsundays?

The simple answer is no - the Great Barrier Reef is not dangerous. Full of life with beautiful marine animals and plants, it's a safe place to visit and is one of the most unforgettable marine destinations in the world!

Is snorkelling in Whitsundays safe?

Blue Pearl Bay, Hayman Island

Blue Pearl Bay, on the island's north-western coast, offers the best beach snorkelling and is safe enough for even the littlest ones to explore.

Is it safe to swim at the 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.

Are there crocodiles at the 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.

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.

Snorkelling the Whitsunday Islands | Whitehaven Beach | Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef Australia

Are there sharks at 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.

Can you swim at Whitsundays beaches?

The short answer is yes! The balmy tropical waters surrounding Whitehaven Beach remain at a pretty constant 26 degrees year-round and the picture-perfect setting makes this one of the best places to swim in the Whitsundays.

Is it safe to swim at Whitehaven Beach?

It's possible to swim at Whitehaven Beach year-round thanks to the tropical waters sitting at a delightful 26 degrees. The shores are shallow, making Whitehaven a safe beach to swim off. With no major rips or swells to worry about, and the water temperature delightfully tropical, you may not want to get out.

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.

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.

Do you need a stinger suit in the Whitsundays?

Wear stinger suits

They protect from stinger encounters whilst at the same time preventing sunburn. At Whitsunday Rent a Yacht, we suggest that guests wear a stinger suit all year round. Stingers have been sighted outside of the season (either side of summer).

Is there crocodiles at Airlie Beach?

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 crocodiles in Great Barrier Reef?

Being one of the deadliest animals in the world, the Saltwater Crocodiles are one of the most fearful creatures in Australia. These scaly creatures have existed for millions of years, being around since the dinosaurs, nowadays only found in Australia's northern region, with the Great Barrier Reef no exception.

Is the Great Barrier Reef safe to snorkel?

The simple answer is no - the Great Barrier Reef is not dangerous. Full of life with beautiful marine animals and plants, it's a safe place to visit and is one of the most unforgettable marine destinations in the world!

Can you snorkel off Airlie Beach?

There are lots of tours from Airlie Beach that take you out to different parts of the Whitsundays and many of them will involve some snorkelling.

Are there sharks at 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.

Are there crocodiles near 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.

Do you have to wear a stinger suit at Whitehaven Beach?

1) Wear a stinger suit

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!

What is the best time of year to visit 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.

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.

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 in Airlie Beach?

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.

Are there jellyfish in Hamilton Island?

The surrounding waters of Hamilton Island are part of the Whitsundays marine ecology and as such the same care needs to be given as any other beach location. During the summer months when the ocean is warm, the waters of the Whitsundays experience an increased presence of the small transparent jellyfish – Irukandji.