Port Douglas.....Great Barrier Reef

Yesterday's port of call at Port Douglas provided us with a day to visit the Great Barrier Reef.  The Great Barrier Reef extends along the north-eastern coast of Australia. It is not one reef but a network of 2900 individual reefs.  On this coast there is a shallow reef shelf only about 20-30 meters deep which has given the Great Barrier Reef its  form.  The Reef is the home of many unique, colorful, and interesting marine creatures. tropical waters honeycombed with spectacular reefs and abundance of food provides the perfect environment for these creatures tip thrive. 

It was about a ninety minute ride to reach the platform at the Great Barrier Reef. During that time we learned about the various corals and fish that we  come upon. We also learned procedures for snorkeling.  Captain Cook sailed  the waters we were passing through. Captain Cook actually struck a reef while sailing. We also learned about the maritime stingers that affected the seas at this time of the year. Most of these jellyfish are harmless but can cause serious reactions. For this reason we all rented Lycra suits to protect us from the sun and to reduce the possibility of stings.  We swear to take no pictures of us getting into these black suits.  It was like putting five pound sausages into a two pound casing. We thought it was extremely difficult getting the suit on but the difficulty was only increased ten fold when we had to take them off. 

When we first arrived at the platform, we decided to take the semi submarine to see the coral and fish close up. We were able to see the coral close up and fish, and even sea turtles, would swim by. Pictures were difficult to take because the fish swam quickly by. We saw various types of coral....staghorn, brain, much room, and plate.  This is definitely one of the highlights of the cruise.

Next, we decided to snorkel, with Lycra suits on, flippers for our feet, and mask and snorkel  in hand, we were ready to take the plunge.  It was difficult to just step and jump into 20 meters of  deep Coral Sea Ocean water. The water was warm but we were surrounded by people which made it difficult to move.  Once out into the open, a water current  could be felt.  John and Rose felt very uncomfortable withthemoving current that. They decided to not continue with e with this prelims. They only lasted about 20 minutes in the water.  Suzie and I snorkeled  for about 90 minutes.

There was a  lunch buffet offered on the platform but we didn't  want to waste time eating when there were things to do and see.  There was an underground  walkway under the platform where we could look through the widows and see fish and coral. We spent time walking there before going back to the boat that  took us back to the Sun Princess.  

It was a great day. But a very exhausting one.  John and I realized that it was so much easier to snorkel in Australia twelve years ago compared to now.   I guess aging can make a difference!  Today's sea day was very relaxing and we now look forward to tomorrow at Airlie Beach  where we will take to the skies to see the Grear Barrier Reef from above.