Diving Tropical Oz in Winter?

[Mark Goodchild]

First thing.......I'm most definitely a warm water tropics diver.

I'm just in the process of booking a nice long holiday for next year to Australia.

But I'm a little concerned about the water temperature. Now I'm sure its not going to be really cold but I'm worried it may be colder than I'm used to.

I plan to dive Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia and also a liveaboard out of Cairns. Possibly out to the coral sea although that is as yet undecided.

The time I will visit is likely to be May or even June. Really to coincide with the whale sharks in Western Oz.

Hope someone can help.
Thanks,

 

[alcina]

Water on the Ningaloo will be between 24 - 28 in May and 24 - 26 in June, most likely.

Late May and June are my favourite times here for the big guys - humpbacks, mantas & whale sharks. Probably have plenty of dollies around, too.

Can't help with Coral Sea - but do a web search, there is a water temp guide out there but I can't remember the details...

 

[Aussie Diver]

It won't drop to any lower than 21 degrees c. at cairns. try www.diveoz.com.au , i think they have water temps.

 

[slipslop]

I did a liveaboard from cairns in July last year and the water was warm i only snorkeled and the water was warm. i didnt even need a wet suit. it was warm out of the water as well!

 

[caymaniac]

First thing.......I'm most definitely a warm water tropics diver.

I'm just in the process of booking a nice long holiday for next year to Australia.

But I'm a little concerned about the water temperature. Now I'm sure its not going to be really cold but I'm worried it may be colder than I'm used to.

I plan to dive Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia and also a liveaboard out of Cairns. Possibly out to the coral sea although that is as yet undecided.

The time I will visit is likely to be May or even June. Really to coincide with the whale sharks in Western Oz.

Hope someone can help.

Thanks,

My wife and I dove from Port Douglas a liveaboard to Osprey reef (Coral Sea) then on to Cod Hole and to Ribbons, the "Diversity" a Quicksilver boat. The temps in the end of June in the most northernly region (Osprey) was 82F on the most southernly (Agincourt) just north of Port Douglas was 77F. We stayed in Cairns and took the Quicksilver ferry to Port Douglas. There is allot to do in Cairns as far as land and sight seeing.

Have a great time,
Caymaniac