Queensland Holidays - Unique Marine Life Interactions - In the Wild

Coral Spawning

Coral spawning or reproduction is a visual spectacular colloquially know as "sex on the reef". Spawning sees egg-engorged corals across the reefs simultaneously release masses of pretty pink eggs and sperm into dark inky evening seas over several nights following the full moon in October or November. It usually occurs with the lunar month and dates vary, usually 3 - 4 days after the full moon. Special liveaboard dive trips are available to certified divers who are competent night divers and whose schedule allows them to wait for the event.

Dolphin Feeding

Dolphin feeding in the wild is a rare and privileged activity that is strictly monitored and supervised. Southern Queensland is fortunate to have two of the three Australian destinations where dolphins can be hand fed from the beach. Pacific humpback dolphins can be fed at Tin Can Bay while bottle-nosed dolphins are fed and researched at Moreton Island. Weather, tidal conditions and dolphin hunger limit the number of people able to participate.

Minke Whale Swim Programs

Minke whales are commonly seen along the Ribbon Reefs north of Cairns between May and August. In June and July there are Minke Whale Expeditions which allow you to snorkel with these very curious whales. These research-based trips have reported seeing up to 28 of these graceful mammals in one pod and the whales have been known to remain with the boats for up to 10 hours. Trips are usually 3 or 4 nights.

Shark Feeding

Few underwater experiences are as heart-starting as diving with a school of sharks on their home turf. The Coral Sea is well known for its sharks. At North Horn on Osprey Reef the currents meet, bringing together large schools of tuna, barracuda and sharks - white tips, grey and silver tip whalers, leopard sharks, thresher sharks and schooling hammerheads. Allow a few nights to try this adventure.

Turtle Nesting and Hatching

Many varieties of turtles such as the loggerhead, green, leatherback and flatback nest from October to March each year along the Queensland coast from Bundaberg in the south to the Cape in the tropical north as well on the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef (Heron, Wilson, Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave).

The Turtle Nesting and Hatching season is an amazing experience and visitors to Queensland will find opportunities to witness these nocturnal events in a controlled environment at a number of island and mainland locations.

Whale Watching