Wednesday 30th

After doing a lot of research before leaving the UK, We booked with Wavelength to snorkle the reef, and they did not disappoint! The boat was smaller than the other major companies, which means a lot less crowded, you will feel the waves a bit more. They recommend you take seasickness tablets which are sold on board, ginger tablets are given free if required to settle your stomach. (We bought our own and took them before we went). On arrival Elisha the marine biologist gave us our stinger suits, flippers and snorkel and gave us a talk, she said that it will be fun and hoping that we will be swimming with sharks, turtles etc. really?? She asked how we felt and I told her I was a bit nervous as I hadn't done it before. She asked what about and my reply was everything, she wanted to know how I would react if I seen a shark. (Scream... Panic....). She said they where sharks that lived in the sand and only eat little fish. She told us we would be snorkelling at three different sites for an hour at each. She learnt us some hand signals to use in the water.

After an hour or so at sea, at the edge of Australia, near the continental ridge (so she said after pointing to it), it was time to get off the back of the boat into the water, I opted not to jump but edge my way in to the water (like a fanny). Once in the water I think I panicked a bit, as I could not just breath through my mouth, I needed my nose or so I thought to begin with, Paul kept giving me a hand signal asking if I was ok, my hand signal back was ok. The skippa was up on his feet watching me I think he thought I was having a bit of difficulty and he wouldn't have been wrong! When we got back on the boat - paul said my snorkelling looked like I was drowning, in fact it felt that way!! (I wondered why he looked so concerned and didn't leave my side).

I thought to myself I might not get back in the water at the second site, but I gave my head a shake. At the second site I tightened my mask (accidentally) my mask was now water tight and I was like a duck to water and really enjoyed it. The reefs were very pretty, and the fish colours amazing. Paul actually seen nemo. The third site whilst in the water Elisha pointed out giant clams, a turtle and a shark. The staff were really friendly and helpful. They also take photos and you can purchase a USB stick with all of the photos from your day for 40 aus dollars. To sum it up a great day out!!

Ps. When the Skippa and everyone started shouting shark and putting their hand on their head making a shark sign and pointing, I knew it wasn't a big one as he didn't put two hands on his head) so didn't panicked. Oh and on the way back Paul seen two dolphins.