Travel to Australia

Day 13 Greet Barrier Reef

Submerged under the warm waters of northeastern Australia, along the coast of Queensland, the natural formation known as the Great Barrier Reef is made up of about 2,800 reefs covering an area of almost 350,000 square kilometers, and is the largest structure formed by living beings and one of the wonders of the planet.

The enormous wealth of life of these reefs is favored by climatic conditions, sea currents and the wide continental shelf, on which more than 900 islands and coral cays emerge, mostly desert, not counting the many white sand banks , resulting from erosion of the sea over corals. A formidable way to contemplate it is from the air, since the rays of the Sun that cross a turquoise sea allow you to admire a coral labyrinth that extends as far as the eye can see. You can also see the occasional boat or recreational platform.

In 1981, UNESCO declared the Australian Great Barrier Reef as Natural Heritage of Humanity, and since then efforts to conserve it and protect its delicate ecosystem from tourist contact are one of the main missions of the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service authorities that guards the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The corals that live in this area form the most diverse ecosystem in the world: they are millions of marine polyps, a type of organism related to jellyfish, which form hard surfaces due to the accumulation of the calcareous substances they secrete. The polyp dies, but that skeleton remains and forms those coral islands where more than 1,500 varieties of fish live, 4,000 families of mollusks, 500 types of algae, 23 varieties of marine mammals, 16 types of snakes and 6 species of turtles.

The best time to dive, being the driest, is between the end of August and the beginning of December. Its warm waters average 26 degrees. It is possible to rent everything you need to dive, including photographic equipment, at any of the dive operators. Seaplanes are a quick way to access dive sites and contemplate the spectacular aerial views of the reefs. Recreational platforms that receive visitors have facilities for divers, are ideal for snorkeling and for those who do not dare boats with transparent backgrounds are an alternative to dazzle with underwater scenarios, flora and fauna. There are also boats that make day trips, which include transfer from the port to the reefs, introduction to scuba diving and snorkeling tours guided by a marine biologist.