Do you need stinger suits 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.



If you are swimming or snorkeling in Cairns between late October and June, a stinger suit is highly recommended and often mandatory for tour participants. This period is "Stinger Season" in North Queensland, when dangerous jellyfish—including the Box Jellyfish and the tiny, potentially lethal Irukandji—are present in the coastal waters. A stinger suit is a full-body lycra garment (similar to a thin wetsuit) that provides a physical barrier against tentacles. Beyond safety, these suits offer a significant "pro" benefit: they provide excellent UV protection, preventing severe sunburn while you spend hours face-down on the Great Barrier Reef. Most reef tour operators provide these suits for a small hire fee or include them in the trip price. Even outside of stinger season, many travelers choose to wear them to avoid stings from less dangerous "sea lice" or to protect the reef from sunscreen chemicals, making them a standard piece of gear for any 2026 Cairns adventure.

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When is stinger season in Cairns? Whilst varieties of marine stingers can be found year-round on the Great Barrier Reef, they are most prevalent during 'stinger season' which runs during the warmer months of the year, from the beginning of November until the end of May.

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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...

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Having said that, you should always try to avoid swimming in waters with jellyfish where possible. The suit provides an extra layer of protection but that doesn't mean it's 100% full proof when it comes to preventing jellyfish stings.

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There are many different kinds and they are usually most prevalent during the Cairns jellyfish 'season', which is generally from November to May. Why? Jellyfish prefer warm, tropical waters, so summer in Cairns Queensland provides ideal conditions.

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Marine Stingers. Two types of marine stingers, or jellyfish, are found on Cairns' Great Barrier Reef. Both are poisonous and can leave painful stings and sometimes scars. Usually, they are only present in the waters between November and May, but this may change pending weather conditions.

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They are small enough that they often cannot be seen and easily get stuck between the skin and bathing garments. When this happens, they can discharge their nematocysts (part of the tentacles that release venom), essentially causing a jellyfish sting under the swimsuit.

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Although it's mid winter, July is also the perfect time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, with the air temperatures in the mid 20's and the water temperature between 22° and 25° it's equivalent to a mild Sydney summers day, and definately warmer in the water than Melbourne or Adelaide in the middle of their summer!

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The waters of Fitzroy Island are calm and tranquil, making it an ideal place to have a dip, a dive or even a snorkel below the water's surface.

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Palm Cove is within known “Croc Country” and it is vitally important that everyone in far north Queensland practices “CrocWise” behaviour. In particular: Obey crocodile signs—they are there for your own protection. Never swim in water where crocodiles may live, even if there is no warning sign present.

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Not only is Palm Cove a stunning place to visit at any time of the year, but the beaches are pretty good for swimming in too! While you can swim anywhere along the beach, it is advised (especially in the Summer months) that you swim within the swimming enclosures to protect you from harmful stingers and water currents.

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