The Great Barrier Reef

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef

After wide expanses of skinny leafed trees and grasses superbly adapted to the arid conditions of the Outback, it was nice to see the palm trees and other plants that thrive in the humidity of Cairns (pronounced "cans").

Cairns is one of the largest towns in Queensland, Australia's self-styled sunshine state. Read that to mean the city itself  is a bit touristy. It is the launching point for the two million tourists who visit the Great Barrier Reef each year.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef eco-system with 3,000 reefs ranging in size from one hectare to more than 10,000 hectares.

Our itinerary included spending nearly a full day on the reef. Seeing the fishes and coral by snorkeling, diving or via the glass sided semi-submersible boat were the options. As a non-swimmer, I had already decided that I would choose the dry semi-submersible option. But that's not what happened.

 Yes, for the first time in my life, I went snorkeling. At the Great Barrier Reef. Most long time snorkelers never get to do that. What a thrill!

Dave, a Marine Biologist, was our Field Guide for the visit. He told me that approximately one third of the reef visitors are non-swimmers who do just fine wearing the floatation vests (life jackets). Well, I'm really into new experiences, so I decided to give it a go.

Dave was a patient and encouraging coach, gently guiding me around the designated snorkeling area and pointing out many of the coral types and fish he had discussed at the previous night's lecture.

Water temps were about 80 degrees so very comfortable. With the warm water and bright sunshine, we had been encouraged to wear a Lycra sun suits as protection from the sun and jellyfish, a common marine stinger.

In no time, I was feeling reasonably comfortable and truly enjoying the experience. After lunch on the floating platoon permanently moored in the reef, I went on the 20 minute semi-submersible ride. I saw even more coral and types of fish.

This might well have been the best experience of the trip.