The Allure of the Great Barrier Reef
It’s well known that the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on the planet, so extensive it can be seen from space. As one of the seven wonders of the world, it’s no surprise it sits on many bucket lists. Since we were in Australia, we decided to book a Great Barrier Reef snorkeling trip to witness this wonder.
Booking the Adventure: Choosing Ocean Safari
We booked our Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour with Ocean Safari. While this post isn’t sponsored, I want to share how fantastic this tour was. I found it by simply asking ChatGPT for the best-reviewed tour to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Look, I’m not going to the GBR to see more people than fish. This tour books a maximum of 25 people per trip, and ours had half of that on board.
Even though we’re running out of Aussie funds, we decided the $200 tour was worth it for a good experience. The boat,a rigid inflatable boat and arrived at the reef in just 25 minutes, the fastest trip to the reef.
Preparing for the Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour
That morning I woke up the same way I do on Christmas day (even as a 26 year old). Excitement and anticipation buzzing through me, making it impossible to remain still. I had a list of everything we needed to take with us (I always have a list). On the table outside, I gathered everything together and laid it out so I could tick everything off: GoPro, water, change of clothes, stoma bag emergency change kit, my own snorkel kit, sunglasses, a hat, snacks etc.
In preparation for the wind on the boat and the two hours of snorkelling, I braided my hair and removed my jewellery. I ate extra breakfast because being in the sea for a long time is hungry work.
The Morning of the Trip
We walked from our camping spot to the pickup location, conveniently the reception of our campsite. After checking in and confirming we had no medical conditions that would potentially lead to a blackout, we slapped on the suncream.
I put on my springsuit I use for surfing, convinced that 24C degrees would be so warm I wouldn’t need a full wetsuit. Ben hired the wetsuit and squeezed into it the way one squeezing into a well fitted wetsuit.
Thrills on the Water: Our Boat Ride to the Great Barrier Reef
We walked 5 minutes to Myall beach to get picked up by the big yellow dinghy, sorry, rigid inflatable boat. We waded knee-deep into the water and jumped on. At the briefing, we learned that the back seats were the most comfortable, the front seats were more of a joy ride and the daredevils could perch on the side of the boat (as long as we held on).
Well, you know where I sat. Ben initially felt daring enough to join me, but opted for the front seats once we got moving. The boat moved slowly at first. Then the throttle kicked in and we were really going. The daredevil seats lived up to their name when we hit a large swell. I couldn’t help but woop and cackle as I was thrown about.
I wish I could describe the exhilaration. Wind rushing past my face, salty sea spraying everywhere, the open ocean in front of me and the Daintree forrest behind. To top it off, David Bowie blasting from the speakers. In that moment, I felt I had surely been born to sit on the edge of that boat.
Discovering Mackay Reef
25 minutes later we edged our way to darker patches of water within the sapphire blue. The darker patches indicated the living reef just below. We were informed not to touch the reef and be careful of accidentally damaging it with our fins. At high tide, it was less of a risk but I appreciated the reminder.
With a brief intro intro the snorkelling gear and the surrounding reef, it was time to enter the water. I, naturally, was the first one to get in, slipping off the side. The boat was moored to a buoy, and I followed the buoy chain to a block of concrete where coral had begun to grow and a small group of brightly coloured fish swam in and out of its branches.
Immersed in Beauty: Our Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour Experience
Ben followed into the water and our guide commenced a tour round the reef. We followed and tried to listen but were too tempted to submerge and look closer at the coral and fish. What surprised me was the colour change when you dive down and get close.
As I mentioned, it was high tide, so there was a lot of water between the coral and the surface, which gave everything a bluey-green hue. But when you become inches away it’s like you’re in the movie Nemo and the world lights up in a rainbow of colours. It’s like a candy store but far more awe inspiring.
Underwater Wonders: The Wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef
The different species of fish and coral we saw were innumerable. There were giant clams that looked like a dark purple night sky with a splash of bright blue spots like stars (Tridacna crocea). Cobalt blue starfish sprawled across the sea floor (L. laevigata). Fish that just looked like swimming rainbows, schools of small bright bluey, greeny fish among bright orange and yellow fish darting in and out the coral structures.
A lot of the coral reminded me of mushrooms and I love how nature repeats patterns. Some of it reminded me of cauliflower. And some like little fingers pointing up at me. We saw a couple of clownfish, one of which seemed either curious or annoyed by our presence.
We were lucky enough to see some of the bigger fish too. The blue-spotted stingray treated us to a visit, wibbling and wobbling across the sand. Ben spotted a shark! Initially informing me that it was a baby bull shark and later finding out it was a reef shark. With every lucky fibre of our beings, we got to see a majestic green sea turtle.
A Dream Realized: Ticking Off the Great Barrier Reef from Our Bucket List
After this incredible experience, I can wholeheartedly say that visiting this Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour with Ocean Safari was one of the best decisions we’ve made. This bucket list item has been ticked off with the utmost satisfaction and a warm glow in my heart. The vibrant marine life, the thrill of the boat ride, and the exceptional service from Ocean Safari made this adventure truly unforgettable.
If you’re contemplating a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, I highly recommend Ocean Safari. Their small group tours ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty and wonder of the reef without the crowds.
This adventure has not only enriched our travel memories but has also deepened our appreciation for the natural world. We left the reef with a renewed sense of wonder and a reminder of the importance of preserving such breathtaking environments for future generations.
Thank you, Ocean Safari, for an unforgettable journey. If you ever find yourself in Australia, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning natural wonder. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the waves have settled and the sun has set on your adventure.
