If you love the outdoors and sea life, the Great Barrier Reef is just the place for you. It is the largest coral reef biome in the world and is so big that it can be seen from space. The reef is home to over 1,500 species of tropical fish and more than 200 types of birds. It is also home to reptiles, dolphins and porpoises, and humpback whales. The Great Barrier Reef offers an escape from the grind of daily life and there are many pleasurable activities to enjoy, especially for those who love sea life.
Wonderful Activities at the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkeling
Without a doubt, snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at the Great Barrier Reef and is an amazing activity for the whole family. You can duck underwater and enter a magical world of magnificent creatures gliding right next to you. You will see a myriad of fish species in hues that span the colour palette and exquisite coral systems. All you need are some goggles, a snorkel, and a pair of flippers and you’re all set.
There is a range of reefs including shallow waters for children or beginner swimmers and enormous coral reefs for expert swimmers to explore. There are different types of reefs – some with an abundance of plant life and others with unique animals such as turtles or dugongs.
Scuba Diving
If you want to take snorkeling up a few notches, why not try scuba diving? Like snorkeling, you get a close-up view of beautiful sea plants and creatures but scuba diving allows you to fully immerse yourself in the underwater world. Unlike snorkeling, with scuba diving, you do not have to keep coming up to breathe because you will have an oxygen tank enabling you to breathe. Professional staff will demonstrate how to use the equipment prior to your undersea journey.
Visit Green Island
Green Island is one of the most unique islands out of a vast number of islands on the Great Barrier Reef. Spanning 6,000 years of existence, it is home to an abundance of indigenous plants and animals, making it a hotspot for nature lovers. It is the only coral cay with a rainforest growing on top of it, a forest that is home to marine and land plants and animals. You can only get there by boat or helicopter but if you choose to visit Green Island, you will have a day full of great adventures such as stunning walks in the rainforest, swimming, tanning on the beach, and snorkeling on the shallow shores.
Whitehaven Beach
The iconic shoreline of Whitehaven Beach is just one of the reasons why it is dubbed the best beach in Australia. With its unspoiled white sand and crystal-clear water, this beach is a wonderland not to be missed and another setting where you can enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. And when you need some downtime, you can laze on the soft sand and play at Grand Rush on your mobile phone.
The Threat to the Great Barrier Reef
There are a number of factors threatening the Great Barrier Reef namely, rising temperatures, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events. If we act now, we can restore the health of coral reefs and we can do this by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening ecosystems such as meadows and wetlands, and helping coral islands to adapt to the warmer temperatures caused by climate change.
One of the best ways to help to conserve the Great Barrier Reef is by visiting it because you will have to pay an Environmental Management Charge which contributes to the day-to-day upkeep, management, and improvement of this important and beautiful wonder of the world.
