National Sunscreen Day – Protect Your Skin and the Reef!
National Sunscreen Day May 27th, is a timely reminder to protect your skin—as well as the stunning underwater environment we’re so lucky to enjoy here at Magnetic Island.
Surface time matters
As divers and snorkelers, we spend a lot of time in and around the water, especially under the strong Queensland sun. Whether you're getting kitted up on the beach, enjoying a surface interval, or doing a surface swim out to a dive site, sun protection is essential. And for snorkelers too, who often spend extended time on the surface, with backs and legs exposed to direct sunlight if they’re not wearing an exposure suit. It's easy to forget how quickly UV rays can do damage, especially when you’re feeling cool in the water. Sunburn can happen fast—even on overcast days.
But sun safety isn’t just about you—it’s also about the reef.
Why reef-safe sunscreen matters
Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, which have been shown to harm marine life, especially coral reefs. These ingredients can contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt the delicate balance of reef ecosystems—even in small amounts.
Here on Magnetic Island, we’re lucky to have fringing reefs just off the beach, with coral gardens and abundant marine life right on our doorstep. As ocean lovers, divers and snorkelers, we have a responsibility to minimise our impact wherever we can.
Choosing a reef safe sunscreen is one simple but powerful way to help protect the Great Barrier Reef. Look for mineral-based products that use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These sit on the skin to reflect UV rays, rather than being absorbed, and are far less likely to damage coral or marine species.
Spotlight on Little Urchin: Reef Safe Sun Protection
At Pleasure Divers, we proudly stock Little Urchin sunscreen—a trusted Australian brand committed to protecting both your skin and our precious marine environments. Inspired by nature, Little Urchin formulates its products with over 99.9% natural ingredients, ensuring they're free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that can damage coral reefs .
Their sunscreens utilise non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. This mineral-based approach ensures effective sun defence while being gentle on sensitive skin.
Additionally, Little Urchin sunscreens are:
Vegan and cruelty-free: No animal testing involved.
Water-resistant for up to 4 hours: Ideal for extended snorkeling and diving sessions.
Suitable for the whole family: Safe for children aged 6 months and older.
By choosing Little Urchin, you're opting for a product that cares for your skin and the reef.
Combine coverage for the best protection
While reef-safe sunscreen is a must for your face, neck and ears, pairing it with proper clothing is the best way to stay protected in the Queensland sun. Exposure suits like rash vests and wetsuits provide reliable physical barriers against UV rays—especially useful for long snorkels or multiple dives in one day.
Pleasure Divers is also proud to stock Brave Beachwear, a local brand that designs stylish and functional sun-safe swimwear perfect for days in and around the ocean. Their gear is made with high-quality, UPF-rated fabric that’s perfect for both snorkelers and divers who want comfort, coverage and a bit of flair. Choosing a combination of reef-safe sunscreen and sun-safe swimwear is the smartest and safest way to enjoy your time diving and snorkelling.
Dive safe. Snorkel smart. Stay sun-protected.
Today, on this National Sunscreen Day, take a moment to check what’s in your dive bag. Is your sunscreen reef safe? Is it up to date? Are you applying it often enough?
By making small, informed choices, we can all help protect the reef we love to explore—one dive, one snorkel and one sunscreen at a time.
Pop into Pleasure Divers next time you're on the island—we’ve got everything you need to stay sun-safe and reef-friendly.