Reef Safety Hub – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

At GreatBarrierReefTours.com, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Whether you’re snorkelling the shallows, diving into coral canyons, or relaxing on a luxury liveaboard, we’re here to ensure your reef adventure is safe, informed, and unforgettable.

This Reef Safety Hub is your go-to guide for marine stinger season, reef safety tips, what to wear, how operators prepare, and what to do if you’re stung — all in one easy place.

🌴 Quick Links

✅ What Are Box Jellyfish & Irukandji?

✅ When is Stinger Season?

✅ How Reef Tours Keep You Safe

✅ What to Wear & Bring

✅ First Aid: What to Do If Stung

✅ Reef Safety FAQ

✅ Download Reef Safety PDF

🐙 Box Jellyfish & Irukandji – Know the Facts

Box Jellyfish and Irukandji are the two main marine stingers found in North Queensland. They are more commonly found in coastal waters, not on the outer Great Barrier Reef, where the water is deeper and clearer.
Tour operators take all necessary precautions to ensure your reef experience is both safe and enjoyable.

👉 Read More: Marine Stingers & Reef Tours

📅 When is Marine Stinger Season?

  • Stinger season typically runs from November to May

  • More common in shallow coastal areas and estuaries

  • Outer reef tours remain very low risk year-round

  • Reef tour safety protocols are increased during this time

🛥️ How Reef Tours Keep You Safe

Every tour featured on GreatBarrierReefTours.com is operated by experienced, safety-focused professionals. You can expect:

  • Stinger suits provided for all snorkellers and divers

  • Briefings and safety demonstrations before entering the water

  • Crew trained in marine first aid and emergency response

  • First aid kits and vinegar stations on board

  • Optional guided snorkel and dive tours with experts

👙 What to Wear and Bring

  • Swimsuit + stinger suit (included on most reef tours)

  • Reef-safe sunscreen

  • Towel, hat, sunglasses

  • Waterproof camera (you’ll want one!)

  • Light cover-up for sun protection on deck

👉 See: Reef Packing List for Snorkellers & Divers

❓ What to Do If You’re Stung

  1. Alert the crew immediately

  2. Apply vinegar to the affected area to neutralise stinging cells

  3. Do not rub the skin or use fresh water

  4. Follow crew instructions – they are trained to assist quickly and professionally

  5. Seek medical attention if pain increases or symptoms worsen.

💬 Reef Safety FAQs

  • Are stingers common on the reef?

  • Is it safe to swim during stinger season?

  • What’s included in my reef tour?

  • What’s the best suit to wear?

  • Is the reef safe for children and first-time snorkellers?

👉 Read All FAQs

📥 Download Reef Safety Guide (PDF)

Prefer something printable? Download our 1-page Reef Safety Guide with everything you need to know — great for guests, travel agents, and tour operators.

📄 Download the Reef Safety PDF

🌊 Enjoy the Reef with Confidence

With the right information and support, you can enjoy one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders safely and comfortably. Thousands of people visit the reef every week — and now you’re ready to join them.

👉 View All Great Barrier Reef Tours