Wednesday 19 December 2012

The Great Barrier Reef offers the best snorkelling experiences

A beautiful Stingray
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most popular offerings found on Australian adventure tours. Snorkelling is a must and there is no better place to do it than in the world's largest coral reef system.  

One of the advantages of taking adventure holidays during your gap year when travelling alone, is meeting like minded people of similar age and attitude.
Port Douglas located just north of Cairns is a popular place to snorkel and catamarans leave from the port regularly.  

There are tours for all capabilities and some are wheelchair friendly. Sunbathe on the deck and chat to the friendly and often knowledgeable crew until you reach the outer reef where you’ll be provided with wetsuits, snorkels and floats – everything you need to explore this amazing underwater world.

If you’re interested in a more intimate experience, Cape Tribulation is where the reef meets the rainforest so trips out to the reef from this part of Queensland tend to start from a deserted beach.  Groups are normally less than 25 and the journey time from land out to reef is shorter. The reef is huge so if you get the opportunity to explore different parts you are likely to see more. In addition to clown fish, grouper fish and stingrays, you might also get a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim alongside turtles.

On land, it is highly recommended to explore the Daintree National Park too, which most Australia group adventures offer. Keep your eyes peeled for Cassowaries - a prehistoric emu-like animal with a protruding brain and a deadly middle toe. They are a rare and endangered species so if you are lucky enough to see one – it’s definitely one to write home about!

No comments:

Post a Comment