Scuba The Great Barrier Reef – Should I Be Scared Of Sharks?
Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 10:46 am
I’m an avid scuba diver and am flying to Australia in a few weeks. One of the things I would LOVE to do is go scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef!
Although I love diving I am scared senseless by sharks. Are they something that I’m going to have to be worried about? I would only be going with an established and experienced local divemaster, not with friends or on my own.
It’s something I am really worried about. Any thoughts, experiences or advice? Thanks!
Category: Scuba Reef
June 6th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
I live in Cairns and have been out on the reef many times over the past few years. http://www.welcometocairns.com.au
Yes you see the little reef sharks – but they are so cute…..
Being a diver yourself – you must always remember the rule, don’t piss them off, and they won’t attack, Look, but don’t touch!
There’s never anything in the media about sharks out there.
There are tiger sharks more up Port Douglas way… that is the only thing.
If you are flying into Cairns and going out from here – walk around town here there is SO many options and specials daily – so I would suggest wait until you get here and grab the best deal.
Have fun – the Great Barrier Reef will blow you away !
………………..Why not try something different while you are here also.
Try the http://www.scubadoocairns.com or http://www.seawalker.com.au
June 6th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
no, because they wouldn’t attack you for no reason.
June 7th, 2009 at 12:30 am
I live in Queensland, Australia.
We went out (off Cairns) with this company on the outer reef tour and it was great.http://www.quicksilver-cruises.com/wavep…
Forget about sharks, I haven’t heard of anyone being taken in many years.
Enjoy.
June 7th, 2009 at 12:57 am
You are almost certain to see reef sharks but don’t worry about them, they are not interested in you. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. If you are spear fishing, don’t hang your catch on you belt. That is asking for trouble.
Tens of thousands of people swim on the Barrier Reef and in tropical waters every year. Millions swim on the other beaches in Australia. There is usually one, perhaps two attacks a year and these are seldom fatal. They are almost always on the southern coasts in cold water. I cannot remember the last tropical shark attack.
June 7th, 2009 at 6:02 am
There is no reason to be scared of sharks. Most of the sharks in the north are small reef sharks, and an experienced divemaster should know the hot spots.
June 7th, 2009 at 6:36 am
The Great Barrier Reef is awesome and not to be missed on your trip to Australia. I dove for a couple of weeks there and we never saw a shark. Don’t let your fear of sharks keep you from the experience
As a diver you realize that there are sharks in all of the oceans, and as you probably know, your chance of seeing one under normal conditions is slim.
The local divemaster in Australia will know where to take you and if there are likely to be sharks in the area. Tell him of your concerns and he will tailor your trip accordingly.
Have a Great Trip and don’t miss the Great Barrier Reef, I’ve been diving all over the world and the reef off Carins is some of the best diving I’ve ever done.
June 7th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Nothing to be scared of, they make great pets. We have a19 foot great white, they kinda warm up to ya after a while.