GREAT BARRIER REEF

“G’day! Let’s go swimming!” 

That is what our bus driver said as we boarded the bus that took us to the Reef Experience, the boat that would bring us to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living ecosystem in the world that is visible from space! We had the amazing opportunity to experience the reef in person and it was, hands down, one of the best days of my life! 

We boarded the boat at 8:00 AM and we were on our way immediately! On the boat ride to the first site, we had a delicious breakfast of a bacon and egg roll and fruit. While we were on our way out to the reef we were given snorkeling and scuba diving briefings, reminding us of safety procedures, how to use the gear, and what the swimming boundaries are. We also were lucky enough to have Quinn, a marine biologist, on the boat with us. She talked to us about safety in the reef, all of the different wildlife (including coral!) we would see, and how to do our part for protecting the reef and all of the animals within it. 

We arrived at Fingers, part of Norman Reef, our first dive site, at 10:30 am, and we were so anxious to go in, that when the boat anchored, we were one of the first people to go in the water! It was exceptionally beautiful. The water was really warm, perfectly blue and swimming around was really enjoyable.

First, we did a family snorkel. Some fish we saw included parrotfish, angelfish, butterfly fish, trumpet fish, and many little fish that would swim next to you. What also made this trip really fun was that we rented a GoPro to take pictures underwater. We have lots and lots of funny photos to keep as our Great Barrier Reef souvenirs! 

After we did a family snorkel, we split off into two groups. Mom and Reese went on a glass bottom boat tour. They explored different areas of the reef and saw a lot of beautiful fish and coral.

Dad, Harper, and I got ready for scuba diving. We went with a guide to show us the best parts of the reef. This was an amazing way to experience the reef from a different perspective. I got to see many more fish and colorful coral. At this particular part of the reef, we were swimming above it and looking down. After we got out of the water, we had a wonderful lunch and got on our way to the second dive site, Troppos (also part of Norman Reef).

At Troppos, we split up right away. Mom and Reese went on a guided snorkel with the Marine Biologist (check out Reese’s post!) and Dad, Harper, and I took a quick snorkel and then got to go diving. This time, when we were scuba diving, we were swimming next to a vertical wall of coral, as opposed to over the sea floor of coral. We saw many of the same fish, but this time we got to see a Blue Spotted Stingray, which was really interesting to see! We took the GoPro underwater with us so we have a lot of scuba selfies and close up images of the coral and some fish! 😁

I was really sad to be leaving the reef, but I’m really glad to have had the opportunity to go see a whole different world! I really, really hope I get to go back someday to see the magic of the Great Barrier Reef again!