When is the best time to visit Lady Musgrave Island?
A visit to the Southern Great Barrier Reef can be enjoyed year round. With each season providing a completely difference experience.
SUMMER
Average water temp: 28 degrees
- On Island turtle nesting (Nov – Jan)
- Baby turtles hatching (Jan – Apr)
- Coral spawning
- Peak fish spawning
- Baby seabird hatching
AUTUMN
Average water temp: 26 degrees
- Manta ray season
- Grown seabird chicks begin to leave the island.
- Humpback Whale migration starts, whales pass us heading North
WINTER
Average water temp: 23 degrees
- Humpback whales travelling both North and South
- Peak Manta ray season
SPRING
Average water temp: 26 degrees
- Last Whales head South with Calves
- Turtle mating starts with the amorous males battle it out to see who will get the girl.
- Breeding activity begins for most of the seabird species during October.
YEAR ROUND
- The Lady Musgrave Lagoon is home to hundreds of resident turtles who live here all year.
- Lagoon Rays can be spotted in the shallows of the coral sands as you approach the beach of the Lady Musgrave Island.
- Giant Clams are abundant and we have some beauties in our snorkel zone.
- Dolphins can be encountered at any time in the open waters and often “play” with our vessel while travelling to and from Lady Musgrave.
- Clown anemone fish can be found at any time of the year.
- White-tip and Black-tip reef sharks are present as well, but will you see them? Probably not, they are very, very shy.