What is the best month to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?

The best snorkeling can be done between June and October, with crystal clear waters that let you enjoy the reef at its fullest. Beware that is the peak season though, so if you want to snorkel the reef with less crowds then shoot for April or May.
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What is the best time to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October. This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers. Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.
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What month is best to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Although the reef never sleeps – you'll be best placed to visit the Great Barrier Reef between May and October when temperatures are still warm enough for swimming, underwater visibility is high and rainfall is minimal.
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Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in March?

The wet season is hot and humid, with rain generally restricted to the afternoons and evenings. The frequent rain can impair visibility for snorkeling on the reef, but the warm water temperatures are pleasant for swimming. In March and April, there is also a slightly higher chance of a cyclone.
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Can you swim in the Great Barrier Reef in July?

No, it will not be too cold to swim in Far North Queensland (where you find the GBR). You may, however, be more comfortable doing it with a wetsuit. You can also swim at the beach as June and July are not stinger season.
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Best places to snorkel in Cairns



What is the best time to snorkel?

Advantages of snorkeling in the morning

You want calm and clear conditions for snorkeling, and morning is the best time to get them. The ocean usually is the smoothest in the early hours unless weather conditions are generally bad.
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Can you snorkel Great Barrier Reef in summer?

One of the best features of Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or diving in any season are the dolphins. They are around all year long to say hi and swim alongside your boat or with you in the water. July brings out one of the most popular fish in the world, the True Nemo.
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Are there Box Jellyfish in the Great Barrier Reef?

The box jellyfish is even considered the most venomous animal in the world. These tiny but deadly animals favour calm, warm, clear waters, which is why they are commonly found around the Great Barrier Reef.
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What are the seasons like in the Great Barrier Reef?

The region has two distinct seasons; a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall, and a summer period of hot, humid temperatures and higher rainfall. Winter, or the 'Dry' season, begins in May and ends in October offering sunshine, fresh breezes and low humidity.
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Can you snorkel in Cairns in January?

January Diving Conditions in Cairns

January is a great month to go diving off Cairns. This is a summer month and the water temperature can be expected to be a balmy 29 degrees Celsius (84 Degrees Fahrenheit). There is no need for wet suits.
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Where is the best place to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef?

The holiday town of Port Douglas in far north Queensland is one of the best places to access the Great Barrier Reef. Just 15 minutes away by boat is the Low Isles, where you can snorkel among corals beside the local population of sea turtles.
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How many days do you need in the Great Barrier Reef?

How long should you stay: It's recommended to spend at least 3 days exploring the reef. Single day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas just won't do this place justice.
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Which part of Great Barrier Reef is best?

Cairns – Fitzroy Island

Long know as the premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the boarding point for many great inner and outer Barrier Reef expeditions. But we would have to say the best of all is Fitzroy Island.
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Can you swim in Great Barrier Reef in Feb?

Swimming on the Great Barrier Reef

The waters you'll swim in are incredibly safe all year round, and it is extremely rare to experience surf conditions, strong currents, or dangerous animals.
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What is the best time of year to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is during the months of April and May or September and October. At this time, tourist crowds are low and flights and lodging rates are less expensive, but you may encounter some wet weather.
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Can you snorkel Great Barrier Reef in January?

January brings warm 29 degrees Celsius water and hot, rainy weather. You can see jellyfish, siphonophores, and salps, in abundance, and because the water is so warm, you can dive in Lycra suits and remain comfortable.
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Is the water at the Great Barrier Reef cold?

The water is always pleasant with ocean temperatures ranging from 23 degrees Celsius in Winter and 29 degrees Celsius in summer. From November to March, the waters in this region are inhabited by box jellyfish which can pose a threat to visitors.
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Is the Great Barrier Reef good in winter?

Winter is also the dry season in the Great Barrier Reef, which means that barely any rainfall takes place during these months. Instead, you can expect fresh coastal breezes and low humidity. It's also the traditional swimming season in this part of Australia, and water temperatures bask at a very pleasant 23°C.
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Can you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in August?

Yes, August is a fine time to visit Far North Queensland (Cairns/Port Douglas) to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and see the rainforests. The weather is good (warm and not particularly wet) and it's well before stinger (deadly jellyfish) season.
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What time of year are jellyfish most active?

Generally speaking, many seacoasts have jellyfish of one kind or another along them any time of year. In the U.S. and many other places, jellyfish stings are more common in the summer, but that's mainly simply because more people are in the water then.
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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.
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What is the season for box jellyfish?

The stinger season runs from October 1 to May 31 when box jellyfish are more likely to be in the water.
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Do I need a stinger suit in Cairns?

We highly recommend wearing the stinger suits – regardless of the time of year – as it will not only protect you from cairns jellyfish stings, but also provide sun protection in the tropical climate. Snorkellers do not need to fear cairns jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Jellyfish are found around the world.
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Can you snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef in winter?

The Great Barrier Reef is open for snorkeling all year round as even in the winter the water temperatures only drop down to 24 C (75 F) which makes it still a pleasant snorkeling temperature; the winter in Australia runs from July to beginning September.
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Which island has the best snorkeling?

  • Your next underwater adventure is calling. We've rounded up the 10 best snorkeling destinations in the world.
  • Isla Mujeres, Mexico. ...
  • Key Largo, Florida. ...
  • Glovers Reef Atoll, Belize. ...
  • Little Cayman. ...
  • Kona, Hawaii. ...
  • Koh Kradan, Thailand. ...
  • Grand Turk and Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands.
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