| reat Barrier Reef is considered to the ultimate in | | | | may run deep at certain places, but is generally |
| scuba diving adventures in the world which offer | | | | moderate for amateurs to dive in. For beginners, |
| same excitement to experts as well as beginners. So | | | | diving should be in shallow waters – about 60 |
| what is so special about the Great Barrier Reef ? | | | | feet in depth. However for experts, there are reefs |
| First of all, the size. Its simple huge – | | | | around the Coral Sea where the depth is about 300 |
| stretching over 1400 miles along Australia’s | | | | feet. |
| East Coast. It is not only the largest reef system in | | | | To go through one of the best scuba diving |
| the world, but many consider it as one of the most | | | | experiences, you can board one of the popular |
| beautiful too. If this has been your dream to visit this | | | | ‘live aboard’ boats. These specialized |
| natural wonder, here are some tips for the first-time | | | | boats take visitors right where the action is. Many |
| traveler : | | | | such boats have convenient luxury amenities and can |
| The Location of the Reef | | | | organize boats to take divers right at the center of |
| Situated near Queensland in Australia, the Great | | | | the reef. There are day boats available for day-time |
| Barrier Reef is about 185 miles away from the | | | | scuba diving. These day boats take visitors for 4 to |
| mainland on the southern side. It is about 12 miles | | | | 5 hour trips into the reef. Even local resorts organize |
| away from the shore on the northern side. It is | | | | these day boats for their guests. |
| about 50 miles wide at the northern side – the | | | | Finding a 'Dive Island' Resort |
| widest stretch. What can you expect to see at the | | | | Resorts located in small islands around the reef are |
| Great Barrier Reef. The amazing variety of plant and | | | | capable of organizing scuba diving trips for the |
| animal life which have made its home here is | | | | guests. They provide convenient access to the reef |
| mind-boggling. You can, actually see about 4000 | | | | and are great for visitors looking for a scuba diving |
| species of mollusks, more than 1000 species of fish, | | | | adventure. Generally these resorts are situated in |
| about 380 species of coral, 500 species of seaweed, | | | | Lizard, Green, Lady Elliot, and Heron islands. |
| six varieties of sea turtles. | | | | ‘Cod Hole” – a popular diving |
| How to Get to the Barrier Reef | | | | site is situated off Lizard Island. |
| There are daily flights to Australia from the West | | | | Best Time to Visit the Reef |
| Coast in the United States. When you reach Australia, | | | | Anytime of the year is considered to be safe and |
| you may have to take a small connecting flight to | | | | suitable to visit the reef for scuba diving. This is |
| land near one of the gateways to the reef. Generally | | | | because of the nature of the water which is normally |
| people go for Cairns and Townsville, two tropical | | | | calm and steady. The Australian summer is |
| cities located near the northern side of the reed. The | | | | considered to be popular – which is between |
| other gateway is at Gladstone and Bundaberg, | | | | December and March. Because of the tropical climate, |
| located near the southern side of the reef. | | | | the temperature usually hovers around 70 to |
| The Ultimate Scuba Diving Adventure | | | | mid-80s.This makes a visit to the Great Barrier Reef |
| The calm and lucid waters around the reef make it | | | | and its surrounding cities pleasant at anytime of the |
| the best location for scuba diving in the world. Water | | | | year. |