Day 9: Great Barrier Reef

Today, we have to wake up early. We have booked a full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef, which is an absolute highlight. Check-in is at 8:00 am at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns.

The kids wake up on their own and are in a great mood. The weather is perfect as well. We have a small breakfast and drive to the harbor. We check in on time and board the boat.

The journey to the Marine World (reef platform) at Moore Reef of the Great Barrier Reef takes about 90 minutes. The kids behave well and unlike some other people (some children and adults unfortunately need small bags for ...), they have no problems. They even sleep through the last 15 minutes, which I think were the most restless. Unfortunately, I also feel a little sick. Michael is doing fine, though.

Once we arrive at the reef, we get ready for snorkeling. We put Maxima in our mini inflatable boat with swim wings, and she has a blast in the water. Samuel, on the other hand, doesn't enjoy it as much. He finds the sea eerie and doesn't want to go out on the reef either in the boat or with a life jacket. I paddle around with Maxima for a few rounds and I'm thrilled! Of course, snorkeling here can't compare to the amazing dives I've had in the Red Sea or South Africa, but it's still fantastic for a snorkeling tour! Meanwhile, Michael and Samuel visit the underwater observatory of the platform. They can observe the reef and the fish from inside. Our little troublemaker likes that better.

For lunch, there's a sumptuous buffet on the platform and since we've become hungry from all the impressions, we eat heartily.

At 1 pm, we go to the fish feeding. It's a highlight for Samuel. A huge Napoleon fish named Wally is right at the water surface (I could already admire him underwater). At 2 pm, Michael takes the kids on a 30-minute semi-submarine boat tour. They have a great time and even get to see a shark. I enjoy the 'free' time and go snorkeling again. Before we return to Cairns at 3 pm, there's still some time for Michael to snorkel as well. The kids and I help ourselves to the afternoon buffet.

The return journey is calm. The sea is like a mirror and we enjoy the evening sun. Back at the resort, the men quickly go to the pool and us ladies prepare dinner. This day was an absolute highlight for us!

November 1, 2016

Weather: sunny, 31 degrees

Tour provider: Reef Magic Cruises / Cairns

Accommodation: Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort / Cairns