Consider the Season

While the Caribbean has hurricanes, the South Pacific has cyclones, identical phenomena, with seasons six months apart. This year Queensland had three cyclones in five weeks, two labeled category five.

The Nimrod Explorer did not have any trip cancellations due to the cyclones, a representative told us, though one itinerary was cut short by two days.

Despite a “swag of rain,” Mike Ball of Mike Ball Dive Expeditions said that Cairns missed the brunt of the cyclones and, “Cairns operators anticipate periods of less favorable weather in the Dec to Apr season.” Historically his operation loses a week of diving every 2-3 years in this period, but this year has not lost a day due to weather.

However, 200 miles south of Cairns in Townsville, Tropical Cruise and Dive lost nearly a week of diving in March due to Cyclone Larry, says owner John Magrin.

The Australian government estimates that only one percent of the Great Barrier Reef had severe coral damage. The dive shops we contacted claim little if any damage.

Nonetheless, if you have Australia in your plans, consider the season.