The Great Barrier Reef spans 2,300km of Queensland coast with diving from Cairns and Port Douglas to outer reefs like Agincourt and Norman, the Whitsunday Islands' Whitehaven Beach, and the Daintree rainforest meeting the reef.
Highlights
Cairns
Port Douglas
Outer Reef Trips
Reef Islands
When to Visit
Jun-Oct
Dry season with reef visibility at peak (15-30m), dwarf minke whales June-July, and Whitsunday sailing reliable. Stinger season suspended outside enclosures.
Nov-Apr
Wet season with cyclone risk peaking January-March, marine stingers (irukandji) in coastal waters require lycra suits, but reef visibility on outer sites stays good.
Aug-Sep
Coral spawning happens on full moons in spring (Oct-Dec) but the optimal diving window with calm seas, dwarf minke encounters, and stinger-free water peaks late August.
May
Pre-dry-season transition with rates dropping after Easter, Whitsunday rainfall easing, and the reef approaching its peak visibility window.
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