Do you need a wetsuit for snorkeling?

A wetsuit isn't required for snorkeling and typically wouldn't be worn. Most areas used for snorkeling are in water warm enough for traditional swimwear. If you will be snorkeling for a prolonged period you can wear a rash guard (rash vest) for UV protection.

What should you wear to the Great Barrier Reef?

We suggest packing a sarong, glasses, sun hat and lightweight change of clothes. A sarong, kaftan or other kind of sun cover is a great way to keep yourself protected when not in the water.

How many days should I spend in Cairns?

Honestly, a lifetime is not enough to explore and enjoy all the amazing natural wonders of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. But if you can't spend your life on holiday, we recommend at least three days in Cairns to discover the main attractions.

Can you dive in Cairns in January?

January is a great month to go diving off Cairns. This is a summer month and the water temperature can be expected to be a balmy 29 degrees Celsius (84 Degrees Fahrenheit). There is no need for wet suits.

Triathlon Wetsuit vs Non-Wetsuit Decision Factors

Do I need a stinger suit in Cairns?

We highly recommend wearing the stinger suits – regardless of the time of year – as it will not only protect you from cairns jellyfish stings, but also provide sun protection in the tropical climate. Snorkellers do not need to fear cairns jellyfish on the Great Barrier Reef. Jellyfish are found around the world.

Is Cairns too hot in January?

Cairns Weather in January

Temperatures range from 23.6 – 31.4 degrees Celsius, making January the hottest month of the year, with some cloud cover around for about half the month. With rain tending to fall during the late afternoon and overnight and plenty of sunshine hours, most activities can be fully enjoyed.

What is the best month to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is during the months of April and May or September and October. At this time, tourist crowds are low and flights and lodging rates are less expensive, but you may encounter some wet weather.

How do people spend a week in Cairns?

A Week in Cairns: The Ultimate Must-Do Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kuranda Village. ...
2. Day 2: Snorkel The Great Barrier Reef. ...
3. Day 3: Cairns City. ...
4. Day 4: Atherton Tablelands. ...
5. Day 5: Babinda Boulders & Josephine Falls. ...
6. Day 6: The Daintree & Cape Tribulation. ...
7. Day 7: Northern Beaches.

What time of year can you swim in Cairns?

Yes you can swim in Cairns beaches, however it can be very dangerous between the months of November – May. Most locals would recommend swimming in freshwater lagoons, lakes and waterfalls to avoid crocodiles, jellyfish and other dangerous animals in the sea.

Do you need a wetsuit to snorkel in Cairns?

The waters off Cairns are quite warm. It is not necessary to wear a wetsuit when swimming and snorkelling.

Do you need to wear stinger suit on Great Barrier Reef?

During this time all diving or snorkelling require a stinger suit, which is a wet suit that protects you from any stings. There's no need to rush out to buy one yourself though, you'll be provided with a stinger suit on all our Great Barrier Reef tours!

Can you go swimming 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.

Do you wear anything under a wetsuit?

You should know that wetsuits are designed to keep your body warm underwater. Some scuba diving gurus advise that you wear nothing under a wetsuit for it to perform its purpose optimally. Wetsuits are designed to feel comfortable on the body even when you are not wearing anything or wearing something.

What to wear under a wetsuit for snorkeling?

Fitted bicycle shorts or diving shorts are incredibly useful when worn under a wetsuit. Aside from serving as an extra layer for diving in slightly colder temperatures, it also helps you get in and out of your wetsuit easily.

Is 5 days enough in Cairns?

5 days in Cairns is a perfect amount of time to satisfy your thirst for adventure and sightseeing. Cairns provides locals and tourist with so many options that it has something for everybody.

How do I get from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef?

Reaching the Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas only takes from 35 minutes to one and a half hours depending on your boat type and the location you are going to snorkel and scuba dive, whereas from everywhere else on the east coast of Australia it takes two and half to three hours to reach the snorkelling and ...

How many days do you need in Port Douglas?

We would recommend spending between three and five days in Port Douglas. There are lots of things to do in Port Douglas's surrounding areas, but the town itself is quite small, and most days you'll find yourself leaving Port Douglas explore the region and the activities nearby.

Does Cairns have a wet season?

The wet season begins building up around December, and most of the region's annual rainfall (around 2000mm / 78.7 inches) occurs in the summer months. It is still very warm in autumn, both day and night, with temperatures averaging between 21.5 - 29°C (70.7 - 84.2°F).

Is Kuranda cooler than Cairns?

Because of its altitude, Kuranda has a much cooler and less humid climate than Cairns. Average daytime temperatures are between 26 and 29.5 degrees in the dry season (June-October) and 28 to 31.5 degrees in the wet season (November-May), with humidity in the wet season around 70 per cent.

What is the water temperature in Cairns?

Water temperatures range from 24°C/75°F in the winter, peaking at 30°C/ 86°F in the summer, while maximum air temperatures range from 24°C/75°F to 32°C/90°F. Australian seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere. Our summer is December through February, and winter is June through August.

Does it rain a lot in Cairns?

On average Cairns receives over 2000mm of rain every year and this can cause flooding of the Mulgrave and Barron Rivers which sometimes affects road and rail transportation. You can swim nearly all year round because Cairns temperature is so beautiful. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a great place to cool off.

Can you swim in Cairns in December?

At most beaches, you'll swim at your own risk. Swimming at the Great Barrier Reef, on the other hand, is much safer. Here at Down Under Tours, we offer daily cruises out to the Reef. Don't miss the chance to view this incredible wonder of the world.

Why is Cairns so hot?

Temperatures and Rainfall

Cairns is a typical hot, wet city in the tropics with prodigious amounts of rainfall coupled with days of amazing sunshine and an island atmosphere while still being located on the mainland.