Tuesday, October 27, 2009

- Snorkelling @ The Great Barrier Reef -

(Map from Aristocat, our destination, the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs)

Yesterday we headed out on a Snorkelling trip to the Great Barrier Reef! It was the best weather we could ask for as the last few weeks have been rather overcast and patchy with rain. I also took the opportunity to hire a digital camera, wanting to capture more than a standard disposable underwater camera. So we were set for a day of adventure!! The sun was shining, the water was flat and calm, what more could we ask for?

In Port Douglas at 9am we bored the vessel “Aristocat” and begun the 1 ½ hour journey out to the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The trip out was amazing! The mountains of the Daintree lined the horizon and we enjoyed soaking up the sun on the front deck, watching the water roll past.


(Looking back at the Daintree coast.)

The day consisted of three separate snorkel sites, with about 45 minutes or more spent at each site. The water was reasonably warm and we set off exploring the amazing corals and colours of the reef. I was surprised not to see many large fish; however the fish we did see were certainly colourful and interesting to look at. Our favourite site would have to be the second spot, where after lunch we jumped in and had more time to explore. We came across 2 large fish with big lips and wonderful black & white markings, they were territorial and this made them easy to find again and again!


(One of the largest fish we saw while out on the reef.)

The third spot was also special with a large number of the corals being of the Plate variety. They tend to fan out like plates in different levels and colours providing some interesting photos! And the small fish seemed to be in larger schools here!! Amazing to look at, however extremely difficult to capture on camera!

(Plate coral)


By the end of the 3rd dive we were exhausted and just realising how burnt we had become from lying face first in the water all day! It was a fantastic day out on the water however a smaller group would’ve been more ideal. Next time I think I’ll head out for a dive or two or three!








(Clam shell)







(Brendon, off exploring the reef.)




(Large boulder coral were amazing!)



(The back of the boat was easy to get in & out of the water.)