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