The Great Barrier Reef has so many different species of marine life swimming around in it. That also includes sharks!
There are lots of sharks in Australia…in both Western Australia and also the coast of Northeast Queensland. But not all sharks are dangerous! The Great Barrier Reef has sharks. But not all the sharks on the reef are necessarily lethal. Most of the sharks that inhabit the area are quite tame.
Regardless, if you are going to be snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, then it’s good to brush up on your shark safety knowledge!
Don’t worry, there won’t be any sharks in super shallow waters – but it’s still good to research before you visit!
The largest types of fish? The whale shark. This mammoth can weigh up to a whopping 200 tons. But normally, you’ll just find small reef sharks swimming around shallower areas. These smaller sharks are whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, which call the Great Barrier Reef their home.
Is it safe to swim in the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes. Although shark attacks do happen throughout Australia, they are very rare. Most of the sharks in the Great Barrier Reef are harmless,
nd if you do any beach swimming, it will generally be in shallower waters, or within the safety confines of swimming nets.
To avoid sharks, swim between the flags on the beach and make sure you swim on a beach with lifeguards.
Whale sharks: The giants of the ocean
The whale shark is the largest in the ocean. It can grow an astonishing 18 metres long, weighing up to 200 tons.
Whale sharks are completely harmless to humans, despite their enormous size! Blacktip reed sharks and whitetip reef sharks are most commonly seen. These sharks tend to be very small and not aggressive at all! You can go snorkelling or freediving in this area and they will come and say hello!
The dangerous sharks tend to be the Great White sharks.
Ready to see the Great Barrier Reef?
Climb aboard and come and see the Great Barrier Reef with us! We run plenty of tours that go to some beautiful spots along the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater world that is full to the brim with pretty fish.
There are endless opportunities to see infinite fish!
From playful clownfish hiding among anemones to majestic manta rays gliding through the water, the Great Barrier Reef is an underwater paradise waiting to be explored. So grab your gear, get ready to dive in, and prepare for an adventure like no other!