Tag 27, 21. Mai, Great Barrier Reef

Today was entirely dedicated to the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches 2300 km along the east coast of Australia but is located 15 to 160 km from the shore. Near Cairns, the distance is quite short at 40 km, but that still means a 90-minute boat ride through somewhat wild waters. Despite taking seasickness tablets, both Lindelani and I had to briefly use the sick bags, just like many of the nearly 100 other tourists who were with us on the way to the Pantoon of Sunlover Cruises at Moore Reef. Once we arrived, there were opportunities for snorkeling, semi-submarine rides, and admiring fish directly from an underwater viewing platform. Or, like Lindelani, for an extra 90 euros, you could walk on the ocean floor with a kind of diving helmet. And then there was a delicious lunch buffet. We spent four hours on the floating platform, about 50x40 meters, and were busy almost the entire day from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

I primarily went snorkeling. The underwater life was impressive, as were the corals. However, there were also many dead corals. The reef was not as beautiful as I had seen in the Red Sea in Egypt, where it is significantly cheaper. For us, the day cost a hefty 200 euros per person!

However, while snorkeling, I did see a Green Sea Turtle twice. It was for quite a long time and very close, as the creature is used to people. It was difficult for me not to touch the animal, as it was so close and kept coming nearer. An absolute highlight.

The ride on the submersible, a ship where you sit in the belly and can look out through glass, was disappointing.

Lindelani also snorkeled, but just a little bit. She cannot swim, and although she couldn't go under with the equipped life jacket, it was still not very comfortable for her.

But then she did go down, walking on a platform below the ship with a kind of diving helmet that was directly supplied with oxygen like an astronaut's helmet, where it was teeming with fish drawn in by food.

All in all, an unforgettable day at the reef!