Jun
01
2012
Sep
30
2012
Immerse Yourself in the Sea Life Wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef
Published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: Australia 
The Experience
Experience underwater enchantment diving the Great Barrier Reef, and submerge your senses into a plethora of reef life and mesmerizing coral reef ecosystems. This coral formation located off the South Pacific coast of Queensland in Australia is truly an undeniable best of the world’s natural wonders.
With close to 3,000 individual reefs and some 900 islands, the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef is truly stunning. It houses close to 1,500 species of fish and thousands of other forms of life such as clams, corals, snails, crustaceans and echinoderms (like starfish). Some of the species found here are believed to be found nowhere else in the world, and the Great Barrier Reef is the breeding ground for some of the more well-know sea creatures, such as humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. Built by millions and millions of tiny organisms called coral polyps, the Great Barrier Reef spans more then 344,400 square kilometers.
In 1981 it was selected as a World Heritage Site, and has since become the icon of Queensland, Australia. Diving the Great Barrier Reef is an enriching travel experience and helps to keep an industry focus on marine preservation. The Great Barrier Reef Queensland is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem, and contains many protected species of animals and plants. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) works to protect those marine animal species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. Tourists can report stranded, sick or dead marine animals by directly contacting the GBRMPA on their hotline: 1300 130 372. Protected species include: helmet and triton shells, and tridacnid clams; seahorses, pipefish, sea dragons, and potato cod; Queensland grouper, barramundi cod, Maori wrasse. Leaflets are available from the GBRMPA (or visit their website) which help tourists identify these species.
With close to 3,000 individual reefs and some 900 islands, the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef is truly stunning. It houses close to 1,500 species of fish and thousands of other forms of life such as clams, corals, snails, crustaceans and echinoderms (like starfish). Some of the species found here are believed to be found nowhere else in the world, and the Great Barrier Reef is the breeding ground for some of the more well-know sea creatures, such as humpback whales, dolphins and turtles. Built by millions and millions of tiny organisms called coral polyps, the Great Barrier Reef spans more then 344,400 square kilometers.
In 1981 it was selected as a World Heritage Site, and has since become the icon of Queensland, Australia. Diving the Great Barrier Reef is an enriching travel experience and helps to keep an industry focus on marine preservation. The Great Barrier Reef Queensland is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem, and contains many protected species of animals and plants. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) works to protect those marine animal species that are threatened or at risk of extinction. Tourists can report stranded, sick or dead marine animals by directly contacting the GBRMPA on their hotline: 1300 130 372. Protected species include: helmet and triton shells, and tridacnid clams; seahorses, pipefish, sea dragons, and potato cod; Queensland grouper, barramundi cod, Maori wrasse. Leaflets are available from the GBRMPA (or visit their website) which help tourists identify these species.
When to Go to Diving Great Barrier Reef
The best time for diving the Great Barrier Reef is during June through August. This also overlaps with the peak visibility period, which runs from August through to November.
On a clear sunny day, Great Barrier Reef snorkeling can offer a greater depth of visibility than you would imagine. There are lots of tourists that choose to opt for a boat tour with snorkeling and whale watching, instead of diving; and many, many operators provide this popular service. The Great Barrier Reef is the longest reef system in the world, and stretches all the way down the upper east coast of Australia. As such, there are opportunities to venture out in tourist boats of varying types all the way along the Queensland coast. If you choose a longer boar trip to the outer reef, the coral and the sea life are likely to be far more interesting and less damaged by any effects of Great Barrier Reef tourism. The coral reef along the western coast of Australia is comparatively far less damaged as few international tourists venture there.
On a clear sunny day, Great Barrier Reef snorkeling can offer a greater depth of visibility than you would imagine. There are lots of tourists that choose to opt for a boat tour with snorkeling and whale watching, instead of diving; and many, many operators provide this popular service. The Great Barrier Reef is the longest reef system in the world, and stretches all the way down the upper east coast of Australia. As such, there are opportunities to venture out in tourist boats of varying types all the way along the Queensland coast. If you choose a longer boar trip to the outer reef, the coral and the sea life are likely to be far more interesting and less damaged by any effects of Great Barrier Reef tourism. The coral reef along the western coast of Australia is comparatively far less damaged as few international tourists venture there.
Odds n' Ends
When diving Australia good places to learn are in Townsville, Cairns and Port Douglas along the mid-Queensland coastline. All offer competitive courses that span two days in pool- and classroom-based teaching, followed by a two or three day "liveaboard," which will cost you about C$700. If you are looking for a straight-up Great Barrier Reef liveaboard trip, the cost is going to start around C$500 and increase depending on how lavishly you want to live while out at sea. If you are looking to save money you can try and book a tour last minute, which could end up saving you half the listed price by snagging it at a stand-by fee.
Please be aware that the coral reef can be extremely sharp, and may cause deep cuts on your body. The reef is teeming with life, and the coral itself is a living organism, so please do not attempt to remove any of it as a souvenir.
Please be aware that the coral reef can be extremely sharp, and may cause deep cuts on your body. The reef is teeming with life, and the coral itself is a living organism, so please do not attempt to remove any of it as a souvenir.
Want a Guide?
- Coastal Queensland Cairns to Brisbane - GAPAdventures.com
- Sit back, relax and enjoy the laid back style of the East Coast of Australia. Snorkel the world's most colourful reef, island hop the Whitsundays, hike to Jourama Falls, camp on the world's biggest sand island, throw another shrimp on the barbie and just soak up the Aussie vibe.
Places to Stay Nearby
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More Experiences Nearby
- Sailing the Whitsundays
- The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the shores of Airlie Beach, in Queensland, Australia. It was named in 1770 by James Cook, a famous British explorer; and since then has become a paradise for travellers and sailors alike. The Whitsunday Islands are a gateway for crystal white beaches and the Great Barrier Reef. Most likely, you will begin your sailing adventure in Airlie Beach. Known as a backpacker mecca, Airlie Beach it is a great place to party, especially with sunny weather all year round. As you walk down any street in Airlie Beach, you will ...213 miles away.
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
Aboard the Osprey V, you'll enjoy one of the fastest day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, cruising at over 30 knots. The Osprey holds ...
Starting from $76.16 per person.
Starting from $76.16 per person.
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Great Barrier Reef - UNESCO.org
- The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia.
- Travel Report Australia - Voyages.gc.ca
- WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Media References
- Eight years to save Barrier Reef - Brisbane Times.com (newspaper)
- Australia has eight years to reduce carbon emissions or face irreparable bleaching and erosion of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Barrier Reef's future clouded - The Australian.com (newspaper)
- Even if governments implement far-reaching measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions, they will not prevent the annihilation of coral reefs around the world.
- World Briefing | Australia: Fishing Banned From A Third OF Great Barrier Reef - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- Australia will ban fishing on a third of the Great Barrier Reef, the Italy-size band of coral and fish along its northeast coast that has been degraded in recent decades by fishing pressure, runoff from farms
- Sexy Corals Keep ‘Eye’ on Moon, Scientists Say - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- Birds do it. Bees do it. Even lowly corals do it — but infrequently, forgoing sex for as long as a year.
- Saving Coral Reefs Becomes a Tourism Priority - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- GREEN sea turtles, cascades of glittering reef fish, blooming coral pillars — countless travelers have come nose to nose with a thriving undersea universe while on vacation.
- WALKING ALONG THE GREAT BARRIER REEF - NY Times.com (newspaper)
- Of the hundreds of islands that dot Australia's Great Barrier Reef, very few sit astride the coral reef itself. One that does is tiny Heron Island, and its felicitous location makes it an ideal spot for one of the gentlest of all ocean sports, reef walking.
- Coral Reefs Worldwide Imperiled by Climate Change, Study Says - Bloomeberg.com (magazine)
- Global climate change may push the Great Barrier Reef and other coral colonies past a fatal tipping point, imperiling fisheries and tourism-dependent economies of many developing nations, a study said.
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