Swimming with Coral
The Great Barrier Reef is one of those places you must visit for an epic display of marine life. It is unlike anything you have ever seen. Its majesty can be seen from distances above the water deservingly, making it one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is unbelievably large, stretching across a space that is equal to the miles between London and Athens. This is roughly the size of Germany.
The reef is home to 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 species of mollusk, 133 species of sharks and rays, and 30 species of whales and dolphins, not to mention the endangered sizable green turtle and dugong. The bio-diverse significance of the reef proudly earned its title as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With over two million visitors heading there every year, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for anyone who enjoys marine life.
World-Class Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
When you travel so somewhere as exotic as the Barrier Reef, you should not expect a single dull moment. There is nothing as refreshing as taking the first dive into the warm coral-filled waters of this tropical marvel. Your eyes will first meet a school of colorful fish before they rest on the beautiful coral. The slight saltiness of the water helps to form an unforgettable memory of that first dive.
Snorkeling presents a gentle way to explore the coral and swim with the fish. There is nothing quite as magical as hearing the persistent clicking of reef habitats. The fish feed on the surrounding coral and swim around in bright colors that blend in perfectly with the crystal blue waters. Scuba diving and snorkeling are a must-do for anyone who visits the barrier reef. Be warned, however, that it is addictive, and you may never want to leave. Just ask our friends at Edwin’s Edibles.
Vibrant Marine Life
It is only in the Great Barrier Reef that you will find six of the seven turtle species that can be found in the world’s oceans and seas. These gentle creatures are mesmerizing to watch and photograph. If you are fortunate, you may get to witness them dash down the beach after hatching. The spinner dolphin is also an occupant of the reef. They are delightfully playful towards humans, so you may get to see one up-close. Manta rays are a must-see in the reef. They float effortlessly in the water in a motion that many have termed as flying more than swimming. With a wingspan of over seven meters, their process is quite hypnotizing and impressive. At the reef, you will also find 400 species of coral in a fantastic display of color.
Whitehaven Beach
If you do manage to get out of the water, be sure to check out the Whitehaven Beach. It is a pristine award-winning beach that is seven kilometers wide. It is popularly known for brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest sand in the world. It has a dazzling near luminescent color and does not heat like regular sand. It is the perfect place to sunbathe and watch the warm turquoise water at sunset.