The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to North Queensland is complete without spending at least
one day enjoying a part of the Great Barrier Reef. To do so would be like going
to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or Rome without seeing at least the
walls of the Colosseum.

Gert and I had booked tickets on the day we arrived in Cairns and
were advised by the booking agent that the best day would be to go Sunday
instead of Thursday as we had planned, as less wind was forecast on that day.

At around 6 am we left home escorted by Frans who dropped us off
at the waterfront area where we found our boat after a bit of a search.

Many of the larger diving boats are large aluminium Catamarans
which are more stable in the water and offer more room at the rear deck as
well. Soon after arrival on the boat we
were separated into three groups. The ones who possess a Diving Certificate,
the ones who would like to do a dive with a tank but have no certificate and
the ones who are going to snorkel.

I used have a diving certificate in the late 70's and early 80’s
but have since lost the certificate. If I was going to dive again I would
rather start from scratch as I am sure some things must have changed. However,
why would you if you are on top of the reef? If you dive deep the seawater
filters out all colours and the coral just looks white or grey. To get the best colours it is best to stay
near the surface.

The dive sights are a long way from the coast. As a matter of
fact the coast is hardly visible.

The areas where the diving takes place are usually large coral
outcrops with the top about 1 meter from the surface. Plenty to see at such locations - as the
pictures show.

Around 10.30 am we moored alongside another ship where some
people left us as they would stay overnight.
Meanwhile lunch was being transferred to our vessel. All
divers/snorkellers were required to wear a stinger proof suit just in case a
stinger happens to float by. (Which is less likely on the outer reef) We anchored about a km away from the
mother ship and from the back of the boat a special aluminium rack was lowered
into the water. This platform aids in entering and exiting when going or
returning during the dive or snorkel trips.

I won’t add too much here as it would be difficult to convey how
beautiful the reef is and what it feels like to float along and over the top of
the reef observing dozens of different species of fish in a myriad of colours.
It is better to let the pictures tell the story.