Day 16 : Great Barrier Reef

A perfect weather day for us to head out on a boat to the Great Barrier Reef. The sun was shining, the winds were mild and no rain in the forecast as we boarded a hour and a half ferry with the Cairns company Reef Magic. The ride out was still choppy though, they had workers standing ready with barf bags. Out on the reef they have a large platform stationed so we docked there and began out visit to the reef.

Our group had a Marine Biologist, Maya, assigned to us. She organized glass bottom boat tours, guided snorkeling tours and scuba dives for our group. We were on one of the 2904 named reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef. There are also many unnamed reefs as well.

The glass bottom boat was a great first look at the reef. Our guide explained the various colors of reef and how important dead reef can be to the ecosystem. We saw quite a few fish and had a quick glimpse of a small shark. 

My guided snorkeling tour was shortly after the boat trip. This time she was swimming with us around the reef pointing out various fish along the way.

We also spent time exploring on our own. This reef has a "mascot" fish who hangs around and is very comfortable with people. His name is Wally and I need to look up what kind of fish he is. He would come swim up next to people and even get on the steps of the platform.

Dinner was just at the hotel tonight and tomorrow is our last day in Australia!