Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
FASCINATING FACTS: Did you know the Great Barrier Reef is larger than the Great Wall of China - and is the only living thing visible from space?
Covering over 3,000km, with over 3,000 individual reef systems made up of over 400 kinds of coral and hundreds of picturesque tropical islands. It is home to 1500 species of tropical fish, 200 types of birds and a breeding ground for migrating humpback whales, it's not hard to see what this is one of the world's most popular places to visit!
From Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach it's easy to see, explore and experience the Great Barrier Reef - by boat, plane or helicopter and I can give you more info on the many different options.
We cruised from Hamilton Island with Cruise Whitsundays who offer a daily service to the Outer Barrier Reef in comfortable, high speed, air-conditioned catamarans that take around 90 minutes. Morning and afternoon tea and coffee is included as well as a varied lunch buffet. Additional food and drink items are available to purchase through the trip.
The tour takes up to 300 people out to a pontoon where there are a range of options available for viewing the Reef. Stinger suits and snorkelling equipment are provided free of charge and you can also scuba dive, go on guided snorkel trips, try out the James Bond style sea bobs for an additional fee.
The pontoon has an underwater viewing room where you can take a look at the reef whilst staying dry and there's also a semi-submersible boat trip offered.
Scuba diving is a great way to get to see more of the reef and close up and I saw some amazing coral and fish. They offer a choice of group dives for certified divers or hand-held dives for first timers. They have an area where you can get used to the equipment in shallow water first before being guided round the reef with an instructor on a 1:2 ratio.
Whilst out at the Outer Barrier Reef there's an option to view the reef from above with a helicopter tour for an additional few. This was undoubtedly the highlight of my day - if not my whole trip! The 10-minute tour was literally out of this world and I would highly recommend it to anyone! Flying over the reef gives you an entirely different perspective and I also got to see the awesome Heart Reef that I had seen in some many photos!
There are longer trips available and there was even an option to helicopter back to Hamilton Island by helicopter for an additional fee. There are lots of different ways to get out the Outer Barrier Reef and I would be happy to discuss options with you and arrange the option that's right for you!
Next stop Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet...