The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of
the World thanks to its incredible size and scale. It is in fact the largest coral
reef system known in the world, followed by the New Caledonia Barrier Reef.
This large coral reef systems support a wide and varied
expanse of wildlife. The abundance of wildlife found here in and around the
reef may be permanent residents or travel great distances to reach this Great
Barrier Reef.
Marine species include thirty different species of whales,
dolphins and porpoises which include the dwarf minke, humpback whales and the
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Many tours to either see these creatures from
the boat or to snorkel close by to them are available in season around the
reef.
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| Humpback Whale |
6 species of turtle are also found in and around the islands
of the reef which include specific species like the loggerhead, leatherback,
flatback, Olive Ridley and the green sea turtle. Further north in the hottest
most humid parts of Australia also has salt water crocodiles living in the
marsh and mangrove forests.
Throughout the entire reef over 125 species of sharks and
rays are found, plus even 9 species of the sea horse family.
As you can see there is plenty of marine life here at the
Great Barrier Reef and it’s for this reason that is a mecca for Scuba Divers. Diving the Barrier Reef is available
from both Cairns and Port Douglas on the mainland as well as from many of the
island resorts which includes Daydream and Hamilton Island.
Over 2 million
tourists descend upon the Great Barrier Reef for scuba diving, snorkelling and
taking leisurely cruise in and around the reef’s reach. Keep in mind however
you can scuba dive within 24 hours of flying so when you’re booking your tour
for a scuba dive ensure you make it somewhere in the middle of your trip.
Snorkelling the reef is a great alternative for those who
don’t want to scuba dive or are only there for a short time. Some of the reefs
are fairly shallow allowing plenty of access to the reefs and fish below. The
Outer Reef is probably the most well known snorkelling areas of the reef.
The Great Barrier Reef contains over 2,900 reefs and 900
islands so there is plenty to see on a scuba diving expedition. The hardest
part is choosing where to dive.
Look for a group tour that takes you out of the main areas
to get a unique experience but ensure that the company is reputable – you can
find tours of the Great Barrier Reef here.
For a truly unique experience there is a new popular form of
diving where even uncertified divers can take up. This phenomenon is Helmet
Diving. Basically you put on a scuba suit with a helmet that looks kinda like
something an astronaut would where in space then you literally walk around the
reef. I tried this out in Hawaii’s Sea Life Park and must admit it was one
amazing adventure underwater we played Frisbee, fed the eagle ray and ripped up
lettuce above our helmets and watched as the fish would frenzy all around.
Whether you scuba dive or snorkel or even helmet dive the
reef you are guarantee of abundance in wildlife and they will never be dull
moment under water.
Daniel Hardie
Nothing But Adventure
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