Reef Walking Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Reef walking Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a chance to explore the coral and sea life without even knowing how to swim. Here are a few tips to make your experience successful and fun.

Before you venture out on your exploration, you’ll want to make sure you know the tides. The reef is best exposed during low spring tides. You’ll want to keep an eye on the water as you walk to ensure you have enough time to make it back to land safely.

Though it may seem given, you’ll want to watch your step carefully, particularly if it’s jellyfish season. In addition to jellyfish, the reef is also home to other fascinating yet potentially deadly creatures that can transmit toxins with a single touch. Don’t pick up the sea life if you’re unsure of what it is, and even then, be careful. While you definitely don’t want any stinging or poisonous sea life to hurt you, you also want to be sure not to hurt or kill any part of the reef.

Clown fish of the Great Barrier Reef © Tanya Puntti | Dreamstime

Be careful of your balance. Some find a hiking stick helps, and don’t go in water past your knees. Wear close-toed, hard-soled shoes to avoid both falls and coral cuts.

If neither you nor anyone in your group has been reef walking before, you may want to find a reef-walking guide to take you out for a few hours. Many resorts and tourist operations offer reef-walking tours and activities for a small fee, often in groups.

If you won’t be making it to Australia any time soon, you can find reef-walking tours in other destinations as well, such as Hawai’i.