Safety · Destination Guide
Sail, dive and snorkel the heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Updated Nov 21, 2025 • 6 sources
The Whitsundays are tightly managed within the Great Barrier Reef, but remoteness, tropical weather and marine hazards mean you should take safety seriously. Strong conservation rules protect coral, seagrass and whales through zoning, reef taxes and approach limits, and your behaviour in the water has a direct impact on habitats already under pressure from warming seas.
Follow standard dive practices: plan your dive, dive your plan and always dive with a buddy. Many operators require a recent dive (within 12 months) and a medical questionnaire, especially for older divers or those with conditions such as asthma. On guided trips, stay close to your group and follow the brief, including maximum depths, no penetration of overhead environments and minimum pressure limits. Never dive or snorkel alone, avoid alcohol before diving and keep a close eye on cold, tired or anxious buddies.
For any life threatening emergency in Australia, dial 000 to reach ambulance, police or fire services. The nearest hospital with an emergency department for the Whitsunday region is Proserpine Hospital, with more complex cases transferred to centres such as Mackay or Townsville. Townsville hosts the main hyperbaric facility for the central Great Barrier Reef. For diving related problems, Divers Alert Network's Diving Emergency Service hotline provides specialist advice and can coordinate treatment.
Marine stingers and jellyfish
Between about October and May, box jellyfish and Irukandji may be present, especially in inshore and estuarine waters. Authorities recommend full length stinger suits, entering the water only where operators deem it safe and knowing basic first aid. Vinegar is used to neutralise tentacles while awaiting medical help.
Tropical storms and cyclones
The wet season from roughly January to March can bring heavy rain, strong winds and occasional tropical cyclones. Boat trips may be cancelled at short notice, and bareboat charters will restrict itineraries when warnings are current. Travel insurance that covers weather disruption is strongly advised.
Sun exposure and dehydration
UV levels remain high even in winter. Long boat days, reflective water and limited shade can dehydrate or burn you quickly. Wear UPF clothing, reapply reef safe sunscreen and carry extra water on hikes or kayak trips.
Currents, boats and remote sites
Tidal currents in passages and around points can be strong, and some dive and snorkel sites are a long way from shore based help. Stay close to guides, tow an SMB when surfacing away from boats and follow skipper instructions on entries and exits.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Whitsunday Islands National Park are zoned to balance recreation and protection. Many popular dive and snorkel sites fall in no take or reef protection zones where fishing and collecting are prohibited. Always use public moorings where available and avoid anchoring on coral. Keep distance from turtles, rays and other wildlife, and follow whale approach rules that require vessels to stay well away from whales, particularly mothers and calves. Climate related bleaching and storm damage make it important to minimise local stressors like anchor damage, pollution and wildlife harassment.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when marine stingers and jellyfish. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000 | Australia wide emergency number for ambulance, police and fire | 000 | 24/7 |
| Proserpine Hospital Emergency Department | Nearest public hospital with emergency department for Whitsunday region | +61 7 4813 9400 | 24/7 |
| DAN Diving Emergency Service (DES) | Diving medical advice and coordination hotline for dive incidents | 1800 088 200 (within Australia), +61 8 8212 9242 (international) | 24/7 |
| Townsville Hyperbaric Medicine Unit | Hyperbaric chamber and specialist care for decompression illness | +61 7 4433 1111 | 24/7 on call via hospital switchboard |