Today, I woke up bright and early to go to the marina in Cairns where I boarded a large catamaran that took me to the Great Barrier Reef! It was a beautiful morning with perfect weather, as the salty ocean breeze blew across the deck of the boat and only a few clouds scattered the sky.

At the first site, I snorkeled off of the back of the boat in the open ocean. The water was very clam, which made snorkeling and swimming easy and I was able to enjoy all of the beautiful coral fish. As I explored, I swam to the edge of the reef and could see where the bottom of the ocean drops off. The Great Barrier Reef is unlike anything I’ve experienced before!

The second snorkeling spot of the day, Michaelmas Cay, was even more beautiful than the first. There was a sandbar where you could lay on the beach and the water was shallow and perfectly clear. It was paradise! I saw different wildlife than at the previous site and was able to actively experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef has been the most amazing part of my Australian adventure thus far!

Recommendations for snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef

1.  Bring lots of sunscreen – the sun is very strong in Australia!

2. Rent a stinger suit – these full body suits protect you from the sun and any jellyfish stingers!

3. Invest in an underwater camera – you can get amazing pictures while snorkeling!