Great Barrier Reef

Today was the big day for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.  It continues to be cloudy and rainy in Cairns but we had heard it might be clear at the reef.  It wasn't.

Chris had done some leg work on reef excursions and we all chose Magic Reef.  We departed from the pier a stones throw from the hotel.  The ride out was not pleasant to say the least.  I won't go into the details.

We were all smiles on boarding.

There is a giant pontoon set up at the reef as a platform for all the equipment and to provide access to the sea.

I think I was the first in the water.  It was cloudy and actually rained off and on but still so warm that you didn't notice the rain at all when in the water.

The visibility was not real good because there was not sun and the water was churned with algae.  Nonetheless the coral is spectacular.  There is so much variety and quantity.  It is also very easily accessible snorkeling.

What follows in a coral example.  This one is probably six feet in diameter.

 This is just a little tiny fish in among the coral polyps.  Jill likes the little blue guys and so does Chris it turns out.

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