The Great Barrier Reef Islands give the comfort zone of the beach for the non swimmer and although most simply include a choice of glass bottom boat tours or snorkel equipment, you can create your own package and add those optional extras.
People Also Ask
The good news is ?No? you don't have to be an expert swimmer or an Olympic athlete to enjoy snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. In this blog, we will answer some questions and give some basic tips that will make planning your day on the Great Barrier Reef a lot easier.
Reef depth ranges anywhere from five to 30 metres, as the reefs are known to drop away suddenly in certain places. How deep you can go will depend on your diver certification (if you have one).
Snorkelling. The sites in the Great Barrier Reef are shallow enough so that you can easily explore everything below the water's surface. The water in these parts is pleasantly warm and ideal for novices. There are plenty snorkelling expeditions from the main towns along the coasts.
Snorkelling is an easy, safe and fun way to explore the reef, moving at a slow and gentle pace so you have time to admire the intricate coral gardens or see one of thousands of marine species going about their day. It's an experience for all your senses.
If you are not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef as all operators are able to provide you with buoyancy devices such as vests, noodles and safety rings.
Don't Get Complacent Around Reef SharksA bite in the wrong place at the wrong time could be very dangerous. Attacks by sharks tend to be provoked, and if they aren't, are often because of extenuating circumstances. It's very, very rare for a reef shark attack to occur if you've taken the right precautions.
The warm water means one thing: stingers. While marine stingers are found along the Great Barrier Reef all year round, the potentially lethal jellyfish species – Box and Irukandji – enter the waters from November through May.
If you're not too old and not too young, reasonably fit, with no serious medical or health conditions, and feel confident being in and around the water – go for it! Snorkelling is made for people like you. And if you don't fit into that box, don't feel bad. You can still go snorkelling, buddy!
Reef Shark & SnorkelerIn general, snorkeling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef you will have no problem at all with these reef-dwelling sharks. They can, in fact, be a highlight of any snorkeling or scuba diving trip, often being the hot topic of conversation if you manage to spot one.
The major risk for snorkelers is drowning, which can occur due to sudden cardiac arrest, immersion pulmonary edema, hypoxic blackout, water inhalation, being struck by a watercraft, strong water movement from tides or currents, and other mishaps.
Divers and snorkelers can unintentionally disturb sand sediments that often result in covering or smothering corals. Trampling of corals can occur on shallow, near-shore reef flats and has led to extensive damage in areas with high levels of human pressure and use.
Take care when diving and snorkellingBe aware of where your fins are and avoid touching anything with them. Don't rest or stand on coral. If you must stand up, make sure it is on sand or use rest stations. Observe animals rather than handling them directly, and avoid blocking the path of free swimming animals.
Our top pick for most novice snorkelers is the Cressi Palau Short Fin Set. With a simple but solid mask that's proven itself over the last two-plus decades, a highly functional snorkel, and a short but robust set of travel-friendly fins, Cressi's snorkel set will propel you forward without risking equipment failure.