Louy

Hi there
with the research i have done it seems the jelly fish reach the GBR in november. if we were there in december would we be able to go snorkling? do the special suits work? has anyone been at this time??
Please HELP !!!

tropo

Louy, I take it your referring to the box jelly fish?
I don't think the stingers would be a problem out diving on the Great Barrier Reef. The box jelly fish is mainly found around the coast, ie. beaches, mangrove areas. I think Pat could explain the stingers better than I could. I have dived on the barrier reef in various locations up & down its length, and I have never had a problem with stingers.
In North Queensland, I believe the stingers are blown onto the beaches on a certain directional wind. Pat do you know which wind that is?

pat_woolford

Yem tropo - they breed in rivers around mangroves and the first rains usually wash them out to sea where they feed and grow. It's the gentle north easterly breeze of the warmer months which blows them back to shore. Stinger nets will be in place on most beaches. Highly unlikely they'll be a problem out on the reef Louy, but if in doubt wear a stinger suit (yes, they work) and be guided by the crew on your snorkelling trip. Have been snorkelling on reef many times in November, its a nice time to go as the wretched south easterly winds of "winter" are well over.

pat_woolford

Meant to add that I've been snorkelling on reef all months and have never worn a stinger suit, although in the colder, windier months I wear a wet suit so as not to freeze.

covenud

I strongly advise that if you are swimming or what ever on the Great Barrier Reef then you do it wearing a stinger suit.
Althought the Box Jelly Fish is predominately coastal the other jelly fish of concern that inhabits the reef is the irakandji. Both jelly fish have records of causing fatalities. Heed all warnings and advice..

tropo

I know this doesn't apply to stinger suits, etc, but they found out a long time ago, that ladies stockings, prevent the tentacles of the sea wasp or box jelly fish, injecting the lethal sting.
So if you see, a big burley Aussie livesaver in Cairns wearing stockings, don't make any jokes about the stocking or his firm thighs.