The great coral barrier It is one of the few formations distinguishable from space, thanks to its more than 2,500 kilometers in length. It is a natural wonder made up of thousands of individual reefs and islands with a rich biological diversity. However, this does not mean that it is the largest “living being” in the world as is often wrongly stated. It is composed of many living corals, yes, but also by the accumulation of skeletons of dead corals.
The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Site and the Marine Park established seeks to protect it from deterioration due to climate change. Although, regulated, tourism in the area is very lively, as visitors have the opportunity to practice their favorite water activities around them: snorkeling and getting close to native species on the surface or shallow are the most popular. Let’s see some of the options available to make a visit to the Great Barrier Reef an unforgettable trip.
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Snorkel: the Great Barrier Reef at your fingertips
From the Australian coasts there are multiple companies that transport tourists to the most visited points of the Great Barrier Reef. One of these points is the Magnetic Island. All you have to do is rent basic snorkeling equipment or bring your own and dive in. The site has tour operators, but the shallow depth means that fans can dive on their own.
Another of the favorite places to dive is Paradise reef. It is a beautiful reef where tourists can dive to swim among turtles and colorful fish.
On the island HaymanVisitors will be able to enjoy not only snorkeling in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, but also multiple activities to interact with wildlife, enjoy private dinners surrounded by natural beauty, and even get relaxing massages.
Approaches to wildlife
Structures such as the Heron Island Resort are fortunate to have unique shows to offer their guests. Those who visit the Island Heron in November and March they will have the opportunity to see the nesting and hatching of turtles, an incredible event. Also those looking for a similar option on land, especially if they have young children, can go to the Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, an establishment that also has a hospital for turtles and where you can spend the night to learn about the behavior of these fascinating – and other creatures at night.
The Daydream island, on the other hand, it offers a more suitable option for adventurers. Here, a team of marine biologists explain what life is like for spineless rays, which come to visitors to be fed.
And if it was not enough…
As mentioned before, the Great Barrier Reef is a spectacle that can be appreciated from every point of view. So that, visitors can rent luxury boats or catamarans to explore it or take scenic trips aboard seaplanes, and even parachute.
Do not miss these incredible photos of this natural paradise.