How to Avoid Irukandji while in the Great Barrier Reef

Its ironic that the smaller the critter the more powerful the venom? The Irukandji jellyfish is one of those smaller but potentially deadly animail filled with enough poison to be deadly. In spite of the tiny bell shaped body of the Irukandji (as small as 1 mm) the tentacles can reach 1 metre in size. It is within these tentacles the marine creature harbours its venom. Originally thought to only inhabit the tropical waters of north eastern Australia and particularly the Great Barrier Reef, it is now commonly recognised the Irukandji have been recorded as far away as Florida.

Take care
What might appear intimidating the great news is that there are very few fatalities from the Irukandji jellyfish because to early intervention. Deaths only appear to happen if there are underlying medical conditions. Irukandji sting happens as a result of the touch of the tenticles and can be debilitating resulting in severe muscle cramps. The sting itself is only mildly annoying while the after  symptoms resulting in pain and hypertension that can continue for weeks. People and jellyfish have something that we share. We both have a love of the warmer waters usually  found in Northern Australia. The Irukandji make their way to the waters of the eastern Australian coast during the warmer months of the monsoon. This provides the most sensible reason to keep out of the water during these times, October to the end of April. There are protected netted areas for divers but the Irukandji are so small the odd one has been known to infiltrate even the finest nets.

The Great Barrier Reef
The waters around Airlie Beach is an amazing wonderland for the swimming. The live coral and amazing reef fish attracts people from all around the globe. The trick to staying safe while exploring the region is easy as long as tourists rely on local information and stick with guided tours. The saying ‘safety in numbers’ is a good call here for even if you are cursed enough to have the tentacles of an Irukandji if you are with others who can get you to safely the chances of an sting being fatal is extremely rare.

Best Way to Visit the waters around Airlie Beach
The Whitsunday Islands is a well known tourist haven for the adventurous bather, lover of fishing or anyone that lovesenchanted} by nature under the water. The reef is alive with coral and rare tropical fish flaunting their irridescent colours. There are 74 islands throughout the area known as the Whitsundays, a virtual tropical paradise. Airlie Beach is a service town dedicated to making sure your stay is memorable and safe.

The Dangerous critters of the waters around Airlie Beach series has been commissioned by Toscana Village Resort, Airlie Beach accommodation.