Is Cairns water safe to swim?


Is Cairns water safe to swim? Can you swim in the ocean in Cairns? Of course you can! Your main concerns when taking a dip in the Cairns ocean are stingrays and jellyfish. That's not to say saltwater crocodiles don't pose a threat on the beaches as well, however, they tend to prefer the muddy and brackish waters of estuaries and creeks.


What to do if you see a saltwater crocodile?

Keep a safe distance if you see a crocodile. Be aware that crocodiles often will bask with an open mouth to regulate their body temperature, and there's no cause for concern if you see this behavior. Swim only in designated swimming areas and only during daylight hours. Crocodiles are most active between dusk and dawn.


Is it safe to snorkel in Cairns?

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.


How bad is wet season in Cairns?

The Tropical North Queensland region experiences two distinct seasons – the wet season and the dry season. The summertime wet season in Cairns is generally hot and humid, with an average annual rainfall of around 1992 mm (average of about 396 mm in January).


Is the water warm in Cairns?

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).


Is it bad to swim in the Great Barrier Reef?

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.


Can you swim at Palm Cove crocodiles?

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.