Is Scuba Diving The Great Barrier Reef Dangerous?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The simple answer is no –

the Great Barrier Reef is not dangerous

. Full of life with beautiful marine animals and plants, it's a safe place to visit and is one of the most unforgettable marine destinations in the world!

What is the most dangerous animal in the Great Barrier Reef?


Box jellyfish

are considered the world's most venomous creatures; their stings have caused 60 deaths in the past 100 years. They are found throughout warm coastal waters, but the most lethal of box jellyfish are in the Indo-Pacific region and northern Australia.

Is the Great Barrier Reef safe to swim in?

A:

It is safe to swim all year round in Cairns, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef

but it is highly recommended that you wear a lycra suit when entering the water in the warmer months of November-April. … The patrolled beaches are Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove and Port Douglas.

Is the Great Barrier Reef good for scuba diving?

As the largest living structure on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef is

one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world

, offering a variety and abundance of marine life seldom found elsewhere. Much of the reef falls within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and so many of the dive sites enjoy protected status.

Has anyone died in the Great Barrier Reef?


Around 50% of Australia's Great Barrier Reef has died since the 1990s

, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society Journal. “The decline occurred in both shallow and deeper water, and across virtually all species — but especially in branching and table-shaped corals.

How much of the Great Barrier Reef is bleached 2020?

This region had a high level of bleaching during the 2019-2020 summer bleaching event. Reports from these surveys show patchy coral mortality and low levels of coral disease. However, on

average 15% of coral

cover remains bleached white.

What is killing coral reefs?

  • Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreational misuse (touching or removing corals).
  • Pollution that originates on land but finds its way into coastal waters.

Are there sharks in the Great Barrier Reef?

There are

many different species of sharks

found in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef ranging from small bottom-dwelling sharks such as wobbegongs to larger types such as tiger sharks and the distinctive hammerhead shark that has a nose shaped like the letter ‘t'.

Are there crocodiles at the Great Barrier Reef?

Saltwater crocodiles are typically found in the murky waterways, rivers, lakes, and swamps in the Northern region of Australia. However, on occasion, they can be found in the ocean region, with

the beaches and islands in the Great Barrier Reef known to have an occasional croc sighting

.

Why you shouldn't go to the Great Barrier Reef?


Floodwaters and river run-off carries sediment, fertilisers and herbicides

, which are detrimental to the reef's health. Damage caused by commercial boat operators who drop anchors on fragile coral and spill fuel, and tourists who break off pieces for souvenirs all add to the problem.

Can you touch the Great Barrier Reef?

Be mindful of your position in relation to the reef! Snorkellers:

don't touch or step on the reef

. Coral is sharp but also very fragile. If you need to rest, float on your back or hang on to a float or rest station.

Are there killer whales in the Great Barrier Reef?

Other whale and dolphin species reported from the Great Barrier Reef include Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Australian snubfin dolphins, spinner dolphins, pan-tropical spotted dolphins, false killer whales, killer whales, short-finned pilot whales, sperm whales and various beaked whales.

How many shark attacks have there been in the Great Barrier Reef?

Year Deaths 2018 1 2019 0 2020

3

How much does it cost to go scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef?

CAIRNS INTRODUCTORY DIVE COMPANIES: FARE: PRICE: Sea Quest Dive & Snorkel (Adult) $215.00 Reef Magic Cruises (Adult) $328.00 Great Adventures Outer Reef Cruises (Adult)

$406.00
Sunlover Reef Cruises (Adult) $338.00

What is the best time of year to dive the Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from

June to October

. This peak season offers some key advantages for travelers. Temperatures hover in the low 60s to mid-80s, and rainfall is uncommon, which means clearer waters and better diving conditions.

How many people go diving in the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef attracts

over 1,000,000 visitors annually

who come to experience the reef for themselves, whether they choose to snorkel or dive or simply swim in the beautiful waters here, it is the reef that draws them to the region.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.