Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef was WONDERFUL! We had an all day trip with Ocean Spirit cruises to Michaelamas Cay. The GBR is actually about 30 miles out of Cairns where we boarded. It took about 2 hours to reach the Cay, which is like a sandbar in the middle of the water. The only thing on the cay were nesting seagulls. After arriving at the Cay, we first took a submersible ride to see the reef through the glass walls of a submarine-type boat. It was awesome. Marine biologists on board identified what we were seeing and told us all about the reef.

Next a buffet luncheon was served. There was a chef on board that put on quite a display of food. It was very good. After lunch we were transported to the shore of the cay by a little tender boat and then spent some time getting our snorkeling equipment in working order so that we were ready for a guided tour of the reef.

Selena, a marine biologist, took us out on the snorkel tour of the reef. She pointed out different types of coral and animals and would dive down and pick up coral, etc. for us to examine at the surface. That was a great time.

After the guided tour we spent more time going back over the reef until it was time to load up and head back to Cairns. It was a long day but it was an awesome experience.   Here's just a sampling of what we saw...

The submersible

Michaelamas Cay

Our boat for snorkeling.  It held 124 passengers.  Many of the bigger boats hold as many as 300 people!

A banana slug, I think....

Giant clams--they were the most fascinating

Terry examining soft coral

Selena is pointing out a "Nemo" fish

Checking out the mushroom coral

A stingray trying to bury itself in the sand

Best fish picture.....they are hard to capture with a camera