The Great Barrier Reef

 

   Yesterday, I boarded a tender (smaller transfer boat) from our ship to go on an adventure of a lifetime - to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef! There are a handful of natural wonders in the world that I HAVE to experience during my lifetime, and this was one of them. It did not disappoint!

   The ride was about 90 minutes to Moore Reef. The company we used, Sunlover Reef Cruises, is the sole operator at this particular reef and it is roughly the size of two football fields. There is a two-deck pontoon there which serves as our home base for the day. We arrived about 9:30 in the morning and had 4 hours to snorkel and enjoy the reef. They also had a glass bottom boat and semi-submersible for those that couldn't get in the water. 

   I've been snorkeling many times in my life, particularly in Hawaii, but this experience was unlike anything I had ever done before. Unfortunately, I did not have a GoPro or other underwater camera, but I did ride the semi-submersible to get some photos. 

  The variety and colors of fish were innumerable. I saw a turtle and some giant clams. However, the most amazing part of the whole experience to me was the reef and coral itself. The different shapes, textures, and colors of the coral was breathtaking! Floating above this living ecosystem is truly a unique experience. I loved just floating there, moving with the tide, and taking it all in. Believe it or not you could even hear the fish feeding on the coral and the crackle of the different organisms moving around. There are few times in my life when I've ever felt so alive! 

  The pictures below are from the semi-submersible but please understand, they are not even close to what the reef looks like in person. There are vibrant blues, purples, and pinks intertwined with each other and the colors did not come out through the glass. However, I figured it was better than nothing to share with you here. If you ever have the chance to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, you must! I am in love with the ocean, and have made it my goal to get scuba certified before the end of the year. 

   This experience is easily in the top five of my entire life, and I left feeling truly at peace, one with nature, and blessed to be alive.