Are there crocodiles on the Great Barrier Reef?
It is exceptionally rare for crocodiles to be spotted on the Great Barrier Reef. It is far enough north for crocs, but the water is too clear for them.
One thing that puts many visitors off a Great Barrier Reef tour is what exactly they’ll encounter in the water.
The main threat around the Great Barrier Reef is marine stingers – most notably box jellyfish and irukandji. These can be deadly, hence reef tours provide anti-stinger suits. The good news is that there are far, far fewer stingers during the peak Reef tourist season between May and September.
There are also sharks around the Great Barrier Reef, although the water is too cold for great whites. The vast majority of sharks encountered around the reef are no threat to humans.
Crocodiles on the Great Barrier Reef
But are there crocodiles on the Great Barrier Reef? The more savvy visitor might be aware that there are no crocodiles in Sydney, no crocodiles in New South Wales and no crocodiles in Brisbane. But the Great Barrier Reef is considerably further north, in the tropical regions that big saltwater crocodiles very much like to inhabit.
If you’re asking whether there are crocodiles this far north in Queensland, then the answer is very much yes. You can do crocodile-watching tours on the Proserpine River near Airlie Beach and Daintree River near Port Douglas, for example.
Great Barrier Reef crocodile sightings
However, it is extremely rare for a crocodile to make it out to the Great Barrier Reef. There have been sightings in the past, but it is incredibly unlikely that you’ll be the victim of a crocodile attack on the Great Barrier Reef.
This is partly because getting to the reef for a croc is one heck of a swim – especially the Outer Reef where most snorkelling tours head to.
Find your ideal Great Barrier Reef tours by location
Great Barrier Reef tours run from numerous destinations along the Queensland coast. Different tours cater to different tastes – some make sure they go to the best snorkelling spots, others build in beach time and some throw in extra such as underwater observatories and glass bottom boat tours.
Use the following links to start picking the best Great Barrier Reef tour options where you’re going on holiday.
- The best Great Barrier Reef tours in… 1770 | Airlie Beach | Bundaberg | Cairns | Cape Tribulation | Mackay | Magnetic Island | Mission Beach | Palm Cove | Port Douglas | Townsville.
Why don’t crocodiles like the Reef?
But it’s mainly because crocodiles don’t like hanging out around the Great Barrier Reef. There are far better food sources on the mainland and the water around the Reef is too clear for their tastes.
Crocodiles like murky water, preferably brackish but freshwater will do just fine. They like to be able to lie in it unseen, and pounce on an unsuspecting victim. They don’t want to be seen, and in the clear water around the Great Barrier Reef, it is pretty easy to spot a crocodile.
In conclusion, the Great Barrier Reef is far enough north for saltwater crocodiles. But it is not crocodile habitat, and you can snorkel without fear of a croc attack.
9 Port Douglas experiences to boost your holiday
- Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour – visiting three amazing snorkelling sites on the Outer Reef. This is the one for seeing the very best of the Reef.
- Visit Agincourt Reef – with a cruise, underwater observatory and coral viewing in a semi-submersible. This is the best Port Douglas Reef tour for less confident swimmers.
- Half-day Low Isles snorkelling tour – ideal for those with less time.
- Daintree River wildlife cruise combo – see lots of crocs, then visit the cascades of Mossman Gorge.
- Sunset sailing cruise – with welcome drinks and appetisers aboard a luxury catamaran.
- Scenic helicopter flight – see the Great Barrier Reef from above.
- Go fishing at a barramundi farm – with lunch included.
- Aboriginal cultural walk – including bush tucker tasting and traditional hunting techniques.
- Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas – meet all manner of native Australian animals.
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