After saying goodbye to Michael and Ann in Trinity Beach, I was picked up by a shuttle for my 1/2 day snorkeling excursion on the Great Barrier Reef. Michael had suggested Green Island would offer the best conditions based on the prevailing winds so I went with it.
The ride out to the island was about 30 minutes aboard a big catamaran that felt less stable than the Apollo yacht. I hired (ie. rented) a blue, full-bodied stinger suit. Jellyfish weren't tauted as a big threat, however a nasty sunburn would be awaiting me if I didn't take precautions.
My boat arrived earlier than the big (full day) one, so I jumped right into the water left of the pier after suiting up. Actually, I had to pay to lock up my valuables first, and as I had my main backpack with me which was too big for the lockers, I covered it in my towel so it was clearly visible from the water.
The water was very clear, and I saw heaps (that's how Australian's like to say “lots”) of coral and fish (big and small). I had trouble with the mask fitting properly, though eventually realized it was because I had the hood of my stinger suit over my ears. A small adjustment remedied the problem although the “free” equipment was clearly cheap stuff.
Two hours on the island gave me just enough time to spend an hour and a half in the water. As we sped back to the mainland I couldn't help but think I shortchanged myself in this great environment.
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Stu says
January 30, 2008 at 1:43 pmcatamarans rock! id be surprised if it wasnt more stable than the maxi. it might bob more but its more stable. shame you didnt have an underwater camera (aka ziplock bag….)… to get some good pics
Stu says
January 30, 2008 at 8:43 amcatamarans rock! id be surprised if it wasnt more stable than the maxi. it might bob more but its more stable. shame you didnt have an underwater camera (aka ziplock bag….)… to get some good pics
Kango Suz says
February 1, 2008 at 4:32 pmI’m with Stu. The Great Barrier Reef is defenately on my ‘BIG LIST’ of places to visit. Wish there were pictures, but I guess I’ll have to wait my turn *grin*
Kango Suz says
February 1, 2008 at 9:32 pmI’m with Stu. The Great Barrier Reef is defenately on my ‘BIG LIST’ of places to visit. Wish there were pictures, but I guess I’ll have to wait my turn *grin*
Melvin says
August 16, 2008 at 10:48 pmHey Dave, great story. I’ve always wanted to go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef but I just don’t know how to go about planning a trip. Do you have any budget travel tips that you can share with me and your other readers about this? I would be really great if you could do this for me
Melvin says
August 17, 2008 at 3:48 amHey Dave, great story. I’ve always wanted to go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef but I just don’t know how to go about planning a trip. Do you have any budget travel tips that you can share with me and your other readers about this? I would be really great if you could do this for me