Do you need a wetsuit for Great Barrier Reef?

Wetsuits are essential to wear while you're snorkelling, or even when you're diving in the Great Barrier Reef. The wetsuits keep you protected from any cuts and scratches that may occur if you get a bit close to the coral. Additionally, the wetsuits are also like a stinger suit, so they will protect you from jellyfish.



Whether you need a wetsuit for the Great Barrier Reef depends more on the season and your protection needs than just the water temperature. During the Australian winter (June to August), water temperatures can drop to 22°C (72°F), which feels quite chilly during a long snorkel session; a 3mm shorty wetsuit is highly recommended for warmth. In the summer (December to February), the water is a balmy 28°C (82°F), and you might not need a wetsuit for warmth, but you must wear a "stinger suit" (a thin lycra suit). Stinger suits protect you from the potentially lethal Box Jellyfish and Irukandji which are prevalent in the warmer months. Beyond temperature and stingers, wetsuits provide excellent sun protection and act as a physical barrier against sharp coral scrapes. Most reef tour operators include a stinger suit or wetsuit in the price of the trip, so while it isn't a legal "requirement" to wear one, it is a standard safety and comfort practice for almost all visitors to the reef.

People Also Ask

If you're not a confident swimmer, that's ok! We have a number of ways to assist you experience the reef. These include our Snorkelling Safety Officers who's primary focus is to assist you no matter your level of confidence in the water. We have buoyancy vests and flotation aids available.

MORE DETAILS

A wetsuit is actually a thicker fabric than a stinger suit, so you would not need a stinger suit too. However, if you are going to be swimming in the tropics, a wetsuit would be too hot to wear and so you would wear a stinger suit...

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

Don't Get Complacent Around Reef Sharks A 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.

MORE DETAILS

If you use a slow stroke rate without a wetsuit you will start to sink between strokes if you don't have great balance or buoyancy. With a wetsuit there is a lot more leniencies to swim with a slower stroke rate and keep better forward momentum.

MORE DETAILS

Take care when diving and snorkelling Be 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.

MORE DETAILS

The Great Barrier Reef is also prone to thunderstorms and the occasional cyclone. If you want reliably good underwater visibility, summer might not be the best time as rain and storms can cause the water to become murky. It's not all bad though.

MORE DETAILS

Avoiding stinger season When you snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef during May to October you will avoid the peak stinger season. This is where box jellyfish and irukandji jellyfish are around. These jellyfish are around all year, they are more common during the warmer months.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Snorkelling can be great for a quick look, but scuba diving can take out any of the frustrations you may face by simply snorkelling along the reefs, such as breathing, vision, and tiredness. When scuba diving, you simply drift through the water, with even non-swimmers finding it an easy way to travel about.

MORE DETAILS

  • Threats to the Reef. ...
  • Climate change. ...
  • Sea temperature. ...
  • Coastal development. ...
  • Declining water quality. ...
  • Marine debris. ...
  • Impacts from fishing. ...
  • Crown-of-thorns starfish.


MORE DETAILS

The golden rule of diving in the Great Barrier Reef is to look but don't touch. Coral can be incredibly fragile and even the slightest touch can cause damage. Coral lives and breathes and some come with stingers and sharp spines which can also hurt you.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS