Did you know the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism? No? Well now you do, are you a little curious to see it for yourself?
If you are a bit prone to sea-sickness, not adventurous enough to scuba dive, too afraid to try snorkelling or not keen on getting wet, you may think the reef is out of reach for you. Think again! I explored the reef in more ways than you thought possible. Here are some of the best of them.
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PLANE OR HELICOPTER – The reef from the air
This one is for the people who just don’t like the ocean. Can’t get your hair wet, won’t do nibbling fish or fearful of boats. Then head up into the clouds to see it from the air. Only when you take to the air can you start to understand the vastness of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s no wonder it can be seen from space. Strap yourself in and enjoy the view.
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SNORKEL – Surface dwelling in the shallows
This has to be the easiest, cheapest and most popular way to get up and personal with the sea life that makes the Great Barrier Reef famous. Pull on your fins, pull down the mask and snorkel and swim off for a snorkelling adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
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SCUBA DIVING – For the adventurous explorers
To really explore the reef and feel you are in a world like no other, than Scuba Diving is the best option. It does take some skill and you need a sense of adventure in addition to confidence in the water. It may seem a little unnatural breathing air under the waves but once you have learnt to equalise, control your buoyancy and propel yourself around it’s simply one of the most awe-inspiring things you will do. Diving on the Great Barrier Reef can range from learn to Dive to Qualified Diving.
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SEAWALKER – Become a spaceman of the sea
A Seawalker is pretty much like becoming a spaceman under the ocean. You place a spaceman’s helmet on your head, and step beneath the waves, keeping your head and face dry whilst you explore the underwater world. This is a great option for people who don’t feel comfortable getting their head wet.
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SCUBA DOO – The Seawalker turbo charged
The Scuba Doo takes the Seawalker concept to the next level by giving you more freedom to explore on your own. Staying dry inside the 180-degree viewing window whilst cruising around at speeds of up to 2.5 knots is the closest you will get to piloting a submarine, without actually being in one.
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GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT – See the reef but stay dry
If you really do not like getting wet but are fine on boats than this is the option for you. Most of the operators who have pontoons on the outer reefs run glass-bottom boat tours. The marine experts who drive them will whisk you over shallow reefs, point out the different corals, look for turtles, giant clams and anything else they can find.
