OUR FAQ’s
Entries for all current events are available online. Registrations open 1 December 2023 for the 2024 event. Simply navigate your way to “THE SWIMS” drop-down, select your event “REGISTER NOW” and follow the instructions.
Yes there are. Our age restriction is 13 – 85 years. Spectators under 15 must be supervised by an adult.
13 – 17 yrs = 1km
18+ = 1km, 3km, 5km
Competitors under the age of 18 wishing to enter the Great Barrier Reef Ocean Swim Series must have their competency / ability verified by a coach. Also, there needs to be a parent/guardian already registered for them to be able to compete. Please email events@greatbarrierreefswims.com.au
Our T&C’s are outlined during registration.
Upon completion of the online entry registration, the refund policy is as such:
Upon completion of online entry registration, 50% will be refundable up to 90 days before the event date, and 0% from 60 days before the event date.
No full refunds are available at anytime. After 60 days 0% refund is available after that time under ANY circumstances. The withdrawal must be via email BEFORE each of those dates.
The Great Barrier Reef Ocean Swims are not ordinary ocean/open water swims. You will be swimming over one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
To make these swims happen it takes a lot of different people and businesses coming together to ensure the event runs smoothly, that you have the best possible experience and that swimmer safety is our number one priority.
Costs Cover:
- Full Day Trip (ferry included) to Reef, Regular Day Cost is $250-$280*
- Health and Safety
- Medical Support
- Officials/Volunteers
- Reef Partner
- GRMPA Permits
- Reef Management Costs
- Charity Partner
- Event Ambassador
In the event of a race cancellation or course modification due to storm, rain, inclement weather, winds, pandemic or other “Act of God” conditions, entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
The event organisers will reschedule the event and the registration will be transferred automatically. If you cannot make the new date, please refer to refund policy.
Open until SOLD OUT. As we pre-book the charter of the vessel, entries close 1 week before the event date.
Once you have completed your online entry form you will receive an automatic confirmation email. Please keep this as proof of entry.
You will also receive another email with further information.
Wetsuits are not allowed, the water temperature is too high.
Stinger suits are available to all competitors and will be on the pontoon. Stinger suits are not compulsory, but are recommended to avoid marine stings.
You should have experience of open water/ocean swimming and have an ability to swim a minimum 1000 metres without becoming overly tired or frequently stopping.
There is no hiding the fact that ocean swimming is more challenging than a length in your local pool, but the conditions should well be fairly calm on the leeward side of the reef, and at worst choppy.
Moore Reef – The Sunlover Reef Cruises ferry leaves from The Reef Fleet Terminal (Cairns).
We ask all swimmers to congregate just outside the Reef Fleet Terminal building on the day of the event. Event Package Collection will take place at that location.
Yes. These are TBC closer to the event day.
Starts will be from the start line near the side of the pontoon
Make sure you take some clear goggles with you, event though you may prefer to race in mirrored goggles. Viewing the reef is infinitely more spectacular with clear goggles!
Yes and No. We have created a ‘Series’ of swims to allow for both competitive and non-competitive swimmers. The timed swims are labelled as ‘competitive’ swims.
The Challenge (5km) – Timed
The Classic (3km) – Timed
‘Swim The Reef’ (1km) – Not Timed
Yes. For the safety of other swimmers and event staff we have put reasonable time limits on each of the swims.
5km = 2.5 Hrs
3km = 1.5 Hrs
2km + 1.5 Hrs
1km = NA
Yes. Once the official event/s are over and swimmers have returned to the pontoon, then competitors will be able to enjoy all the reef and Sunlover Pontoon have to offer.
