great off beach snorkling also, just watch out for the crocks !

Go up to to Cape Tribulation, excellent area " where the rain-forest meets the reef " . There is an outfit that will bring you out on a high speed boat for a half day to a very remote key, the best snorkling I have ever seen. Can find info at " Cape Trib camping"

Alistair that's very helpful. We'll try to postpone trip till October.

Cheers
jjud

This is the dry season in Queensland, meaning a little less humidity and slightly cooler temps. Can't speak from personal experience (well, I did visit Dunk Island as a six-year-old, but that was a wee while ago -- ahem!!), but apparently average July water temps are around 23 degrees C. So certainly not frigid, by any stretch. Here's a link to some more seasonal conditions from a tour operator that sets up dive outings to the reef. Can't speak to accuracy but hopefully this might help! http://www.divethereef.com/Guides/SeasonsC.asp

Thanks Alistair for your response.
Do you know what the water temperature is round Green Island in July?
I'd like to go somewhere where sea is at least 25 degrees.
Cheers.
jjud.

I pinged Michele Bigley, author of Away.com's recent family-travel survival guide to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef (http://bit.ly/zIuIOz), with your question. She suggested Green Island Resort, "where you can swim into the sea and frolic with turtles steps from the sand." Only downside is that the resort isn't self-catering, so may be a touch spendy. For self-catering options, lots of choices on the mainland around Cairns and further north toward Daintree, though you'll probably need to get on a day charter for the best snorkeling on the reef. As to your question about going there in July, here's what Michele had to say: "You are in luck. July is when the nasty jellyfish depart the Great Barrier Reef seas and snorkeling can be done without full-body wetsuits--though you still want to slather on plenty of sunblock."

Thanks Kelli.

Roatan, Honduras