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Is it safe to swim in Cairns?

Only swim at the beach when it has a lifeguard. The best beaches to swim at are mainly in the Northern suburbs. The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.



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The beaches in the city aren't suitable for swimming due to crocodiles and it being too buddy. However, there is a lagoon to swim in if you're staying in Cairns City.

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Beaches With Stinger Nets Around Cairns and Port Douglas The net is occasionally closed in stormy weather. You'll also find stinger nets at Palm Cove, Clifton Beach, Yorkey's Knob, Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach and Ellis Beach, most beaches in the area.

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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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Both snorkeling off the beach or through snorkeling safari are amazing. Lots of fish and good to see many healthy vibrant corals. The whole crew has been very helpful. It is a perfect trip for the whole family even for little kids.

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Realistically between December and April it is not a great place to visit or do a Cairns campervan hire holiday. For example, extremely hot and humid monsoon season can be very unpleasant despite warm temperatures above 30°C! The cyclone season usually lasts in Cairns from November to May!

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The best beaches for swimming near Cairns are Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Ellis Beach and Holloways Beach. All four of these sandy tropical oases are patrolled year-round and are protected by stinger nets in the summer season (November to March/April).

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In summer, the average sea temperature at Cairns' northern beaches ranges from 28.9 - 29.4°C (84 - 84.9°F), dipping slightly in winter to 23.8 - 24.5°C (74.8 - 76.1°F).

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Reef Shark & Snorkeler In 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The researchers identified two distinct types of bacteria clusters nestled inside the tissues of the coral. One of these is a close relative of the bacterium causing chlamydia (Chlamydiales), an infection typically found in mammals.

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Cairns is the gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, with most dive and snorkel tours leaving here each day taking visitors on Great Barrier Reef tours to explore this World Heritage listed reef system. Visitors can charter boats, take scenic flights in helicopters or liveaboard extended dive tours on the reef.

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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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