Tag 10: Diving Great Barrier Reef vs. Resort

Today we have separate program. Michael is going on a diving trip with three dives at the Great Barrier Reef. The kids and I are having a relaxing day at the resort. We spend most of the day at the pool or in the children's water park. We are also a little productive and wash our laundry.

Diving tour with Silverswift (from Cairns)

Today I fulfill my dream of diving at the World Wonder Great Barrier Reef, and probably that of many other divers as well. With a length of 2,300 km and an area of ​​350,000 km2 (the size of Germany), it is the longest reef in the world.

After check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal, we depart at 8:30 a.m. There are only 5 certified divers in our group. In addition to me, the couple Paco and Maria from Catalonia, the old diving pro Roc, and - hard to believe - another Austrian - Conny from Graz - are part of our group. On the 90-minute journey, our guide Marcos gives us a detailed introduction to the diving rules.

Our first dive spot is Moore Reef. The old diving pro Roc turns out to be the highlight of the first dive. Like a ball in a pinball machine, Roc shoots through the water and collides with the reef several times. As a reward for his hyperactivity, his dive ends about 15 minutes earlier than the rest of the group. What a blessing for us and the reef.

The second dive takes place at Flynn Reef (depth 18 m, duration 55 minutes). The visibility is about 10-18 m. The water temperature is a pleasant 26 degrees. One could be tempted to dive naked. Among other things, we see a White Tip Reef Shark, a Great Barracuda, and a Titan Triggerfish that aggressively defends its territory. The guide tells us that it sometimes even attacks divers.

The highlight of the day is the third dive. A drift dive at Flynn Reef (depth 14 m, duration 64 minutes) with a strong current provides us with large schools of fish ranging from small to large, four sharks (three White Tips and one Grey Tip), and a Hawksbill Turtle. We see coral gardens and canyons in various forms. A truly brilliant end to a successful day of diving.

Diving at the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute must for all underwater enthusiasts!

2.11.2016

Weather: sunny, 31 degrees

Accommodation: Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort / Cairns