#If the reef’s main
chunks were plucked from the sea and laid out to dry, the rock could cover all
of New Jersey, with coral to spare.
SNORKELING
AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF, By Jill Robinson
“IMMERSING YOURSELF
in the Great Barrier Reef is the best way to see how fragile it is,” says Ben
Southall, who has served as the reef’s honorary “caretaker of islands” and retraced
Captain Cook’s route of discovery there, by kayak. The largest coral reef
ecosystem in the world, it stretches for 1,430 miles off the Queensland coast
and contains 2,000 individuals reefs. “It’s the vastness and marine life that
draws people in,” says Southall.
Approximately one million visitors dive or snorkel the Great
Barrier Reef each year. While there are many access points, Southall has three
favorites that show the reef’s diversity.
From Port Douglas: Head to the Low Isles,
about 15 miles away by boat. The coral cays sheltered by reef are home to schools
of angel fish and clownfish, and branching soft corals.
From Cairns:
Visit the Agincourt Reef, part of the ribbonlike coral reefs in the outer edge,
with sea turtles, stands of elkhorn coral, and a wealth of color due to the
clarity of the water.
In the Whitsunday
Islands: Langford Reef is easy to get to from the beach. During an hour
long snorkel, you can see up to 50 different types of coral and creatures like the
hump-headed Maori wrasse, the green turtle, and enormous parrotfish.
For guided reef day-trips (from beginner to advanced), often
with a marine biologist on board to offer tips and answer questions, book a
boat tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Outfitters provide snorkeling instruction,
gear, and reef access.
Outfitters and rental shops provide equipment (mask,
snorkel, and fins) in a variety of sizes. Southall suggest trying the mask on
in the water to make sure there are no leaks. If you’re spending more than two
days snorkeling, you may want to pack your own mask, snorkel, fins, and sun
shirt (to keep from getting sunburned) for comfort.
Bring a waterproof camera to capture the underwater views. “The
warm, shallow water has more clarity, so even with an inexpensive camera, you’re
likely to get good shots. Most aquatic life congregates around structures. Sea turtles
and Queensland groupers are curious and will often get up close for a photo.”
Purchase and study fish identification cards so you know what you’re seeing.
October through November are considered the best months for
sunny days, warm water, and calm seas. Catch a snippet of whale song underwater
between mind June and late October, when humpback whales migrate along the
Queensland coast.
