When should you avoid the Great Barrier Reef?

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.



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Each year about two million travellers visit the Great Barrier Reef yearly. They come to see the fantastic coral reef system and all the marine life swimming by. The best time to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef is any time between May to October. This is during Queensland's dry season.

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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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More than 100 species of jellyfish have been recorded along the Great Barrier Reef, including the notorious stinging blue bottles and box jellyfish. One of these, the infamous Irukandji jellyfish, is one of the smallest (roughly one cubic centimetre) and most venomous jellyfish in the world.

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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.

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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!

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