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!
2007-07-17 06:48:27 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Australia ➔ Other - Australia
I'm looking for something more than "if you're scared of sharks, then don't go diving".
If anyone has any actual experience or thoughts, etc. I'd love to hear from you!
2007-07-17 07:01:25 · update #1
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
2007-07-17 13:04:54 · answer #1 · answered by • Koala • uʍop ɹǝpun 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What's the most commonly asked question about the Great Barrier Reef? You guessed it - "Will I see a shark?" Intrigue and mystique, adventure and adrenalin are just a few words that describe the shark experience. These truly graceful creatures have been given a bad reputation by mad men "shark-hunters", mad journalists, mad moviemakers and even some documentaries. Often you hear things being said such as evil menacing predators. This is definitely not true. If you are lucky, and I mean lucky, you may catch a glimpse of one snorkelling on the reef. If you are diving you can go on a shark search and you will more than likely find one under a crevice or sliding by. Perhaps no other group of fishes has captured the interest of divers and snorkellers as the shark, and of the 340 or so species only a few are threatening with most no more harmful than the tiniest fish. The most common variety on the Great Barrier Reef is the Reef Shark. They are generally harmless, quite timid, and pose no threat to divers. Of course there can always be an exception, but that exception is usually provoked, and may come from an over aggressive shark feeding frenzy brought on by irresponsible operators or even careless, non-cautious spearfisherman. The shark attacks that most visitors have heard about occur in the colder areas of Australia and of the fatal attacks, the responsible member is usually the aggressive Tiger Shark or the White Pointer. There are far more fatal attacks on human lives by the common automobile. There is no cage diving offered on the Great Barrier Reef, however if you are feeling on the adventurous side take a hop to our southern friends. Rodney Fox is the survivor of one the world's worst attacks and now devotes his life to the research and preservation of them. He can even take you to see them.
2016-05-20 15:12:48 · answer #2 · answered by scarlet 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-07-17 07:03:17 · answer #3 · answered by watsoniagirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-07-20 23:26:51 · answer #4 · answered by ashbporter 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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.
2007-07-17 11:20:22 · answer #5 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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/wavepiercer.htm
Forget about sharks, I haven't heard of anyone being taken in many years.
Enjoy.
2007-07-17 07:17:15 · answer #6 · answered by kaz 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to be scared of, they make great pets. We have a19 foot great white, they kinda warm up to ya after a while.
2007-07-19 03:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, because they wouldn't attack you for no reason.
2007-07-17 08:08:00 · answer #8 · answered by agent_starfire 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋