The Great Barrier Reef is the largest World Heritage Area, stretching over 2,000 km from Papa New Guinea to Maryborough in southern Queensland.
Especially for divers, this is the paradise par excellence. Even while snorkeling, you get a fantastic insight into the beautiful underwater world.
Between the mainland and the reef are numerous islands that are great starting points for exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
Yesterday I’m still high from our day on the Great Barrier Reef – sitting here in Cairns with a cool Goon in my glass and just have to share it. We had decided on a full day trip from Cairns, picked up early in the morning on a sleek catamaran to the Agincourt Reef pontoon. Even the boat trip was magical: turquoise lagoons, flying fish next to the ship, and then suddenly this moment when the reef appears out of nowhere – an underwater city below the surface, the largest living thing on earth.
Mask on, into the water – and bam! A whole swarm of neon fish circles me, corals in pink, orange and violet shine like an underwater disco. Our guide showed us a giant rock turtle cruising leisurely between the fan corals, then we swam right over a Black Tip Reef shark (harmless, I promise!). Pure snorkeling – no crowds of tourists, small groups, and our guide knew exactly where the highlights were: Nemos in anemones, a Leafy Sea Dragon that camouflages itself perfectly, and even a friendly Giant Manta that curiously circled us.
Lunch on the Pontoon was world champion: fresh reef fish, salads, tropical fruits – and in between time for a glass of sparkling wine with a view of the endless blue. In the afternoon, there was an optional helmet dive for the brave (I did it – like walking barefoot across the seabed!), and finally an underwater observatory where you can see everything from dry land. Back in Cairns, we sat in the motorhome in the evening and couldn’t stop showing photos – the reef is not only beautiful, it is alive, fragile, a wake-up call.
