The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system composing over 2,900 individual reefs, is every bit as exciting in person as it looks in the pictures. Visible from space, the reef is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. The structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. If you haven’t visited, seriously, book your trip now.
There are many ways to see the 2,300 km of reef. This is our favourite one. Quicksilver Cruises wavepiercing catamarans and ultra professional crew whisk you out to Agincourt Reef at the very edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf from Port Douglas in 90 minutes. Then you have four glorious hours to experience this underwater paradise with snorkelling, diving, submersibles (if you don’t want to get your hair wet) and guided tours by marine biologists on offer.
At Agincourt Reef, the variety of colours underwater from muddy browns to vibrant blues, the sheer number of marine species including fish, turtles and reef sharks (harmless) is breathtaking. And the professionalism of the crew (I cannot overstate this. They are super impressive covering almost every eventuality including providing prescription snorkelling masks of various strengths) make this an unforgettable experience for everyone—young, old, swimmer and doggy-paddler—when heading to the reef.
Web: www.quicksilver-cruises.com
