Coral Spawning Night Dive

This boat is operating a night trip to the Great Barrier Reef to see the unique annual Coral Spawning phenomenon.  Expert advice predicts that this is a likely time for Coral Spawning to occur (but not guaranteed).  Limited to 60 passengers.

Check in:

4:30pm - Cairns Marlin Marina 

Departs 5pm - Returns 10:30pm  Returns: approx 11:45pm

Inclusions:

• tea/coffe/hot chocolate
• Dive and snorkel guides included
• snorkel and dive gear (option of 2 certified dives)
• lycra suits and wetsuits and torches
• Dinner

More Information about Coral Spawning

The researchers had witnessed coral spawning, an annual event, which occurs in all coral reefs around the world. Today we know that many corals living on the Great Barrier Reef spawn about four to five days after the full moon usually in November and sometimes in December when the water temperature is warmest.

Why do corals spawn after a full moon, and why do the east and west coast corals spawn at such different times of the year, despite the fact that these reefs have many species in common? 
There are three triggers that set off spawning in corals, according to coral reef expert Associate Professor Peter Harrison from Southern Cross University.

• Firstly there must be a gradual rise in sea temperature, triggering the eggs and sperm to mature inside the adult coral.
• Second, the lunar cycle coordinates the exact moment at which the corals release their precious cargo into the water.
• The third stimulus is related to the diurnal cycle - coral need the darkness of night to do the wild thing!