“The reef is a living ecosystem. How we behave in it determines how it survives. These simple principles make a real difference.”
Great Barrier Reef Etiquette – How to Behave on the Reef
Reef Etiquette: Look After the Reef You’ve Come to See
- Look but don’t touch. Don’t stand on coral, don’t hold or chase wildlife, and keep your fins and gear clear of the reef.
- Keep your distance. Give turtles and other free-swimming animals plenty of space; stay >1 m from giant clams.
- No fish feeding. It changes natural behaviour and can harm marine life.
- Secure your gear and master buoyancy. Prevent dangling gauges, slow down, and move gently.
- Take nothing, leave nothing. It’s illegal to damage or take coral (even dead coral) or protected shells; never litter.
- Choose sun-smart and reef-smart. Wear stinger suits/rashies and use TGA-approved sunscreen; apply before you board.
- Use moorings, not anchors, where available. If anchoring, use sand/mud, not coral; avoid marked no-anchoring areas.
Why Reef Etiquette Matters
The Great Barrier Reef is alive. Corals are animals, reefs are fragile, and a single kick can break decades of growth. Good manners in the water protect the reef and make your experience better fish stay relaxed, visibility stays clear, and everyone goes home smiling. Small choices make a big difference.
Before You Go
- Choose well-briefed tours. Great operators give clear reef briefings and help with fit and floatation so you’re comfortable from your first splash.
- Sun and stinger protection. In tropical Queensland, protective suits (stinger suits/rashies) are recommended—and they also reduce how much sunscreen you need. Apply any sunscreen well before you enter the water.
- Pack light, secure everything. Clip cameras, gauges, and octos so nothing drags on coral.
On the Boat
Listen to the crew, enter/exit carefully, and give others space on ladders. If you’re boating privately, pick up public moorings where provided; they protect coral and are colour-coded with size/time limits.
In the Water: The “Three L’s”
- Look—slow, gentle movements; avoid sudden changes in direction.
- Learn—neutral buoyancy saves coral; practise away from the reef if you’re new or out of practice.
- Leave—no touching or collecting; keep >1 m from giant clams; never feed fish; don’t chase turtles, rays, sea snakes or any free-swimming animals.
Photos and Videos
Get the shot without the “poke.” Don’t rest cameras on coral, don’t move animals for framing, and avoid stirring sand that smothers nearby life.
Fishing and Collecting (Know the Zones)
Zoning maps show where activities are allowed or prohibited; Green Zones are no-take. Regardless of zone, you must not damage or take coral or protected shells (e.g., giant clams) without a Marine Parks permit.
Rubbish, Waste and Plastics
Never throw anything overboard. Take all waste back to shore and use refillable bottles. It’s an offence to litter in the Marine Park.
Sun Care That’s Kind to the Reef
Do the “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide”—but prioritise covering up (stinger suit, rashie, hat) to minimise sunscreen wash-off. If you use sunscreen, choose TGA-regulated products and apply away from the water; many travellers also choose mineral formulas. (Note: “reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term in Australia protective clothing remains best practice.)
Keep reading before your reef trip
Ready for your reef day?
Put these tips into practice on an outer reef day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas.
FAQs
Can I touch or hold a turtle if it swims up to me?
Are shells okay to take if they’re empty?
What sunscreen should I use?
Why is fish feeding a problem?
I’m on a private boat. Where can I anchor?
See Something? Say Something.
Report unusual sightings or issues (like entangled wildlife) to the Eye on the Reef Sightings Network it helps managers protect the reef.
Nice to Do (and we love it when you do)
- Pick up a stray piece of rubbish (if safe) and bin it back on board.
- Share your love of the Reef and encourage good etiquette in your crew.
- Log interesting sightings with Eye on the Reef citizen science helps.
A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
