The main attraction of a trip to Cairns is the World Heritage Site. Cairns is one of the few places in the world where two world heritage sites, the tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, meet. This time, I would like to visit there at least once! This time, we will focus on the Great Barrier Reef on the ocean side, which you will want to visit two, three, or even more times.
The experience of having the entire reef right in front of you is unique! You should definitely take a helicopter!
The vast reef stretches for 2300 km, with beautiful blue seas and skies and colorful fish. Coral reefs of various shapes and sizes, sea turtles, and more than 1,600 species of fish live here. There are two ways to visit such a wonderful area. You can go by boat or by air.
Then, “You have to experience both!” I chose “Reef Magic (Fly/Cruise)” (659AUD) at NAUTILUS AVIATION. This package includes marine activities on a pontoon (artificial floating island) located on Moore Reef, necessary equipment, Environmental Management Charge (EMC), lunch, and helicopter and boat transportation.
We boarded the helicopter as soon as it arrived and immediately set off on a 25-minute flight to the Great Barrier Reef and the sky! Soon after, we were confronted with wildfires. Many people must have seen on the news the struggles of firefighters and the rescue of koalas and other wild animals. Seeing a wildfire actually happening right in front of your eyes is a great opportunity to think about “How should I support the firefighters? It is a great opportunity to think about “How should I support them?
After the smoke clears, the Great Barrier Reef begins at about 30 km offshore. First, we circled over Briggs Reef with its beautiful white sandy beaches! Next, the pilot said, “There are sea turtles!” and the search for turtles from the sky began. The tour arrived at its destination amidst great excitement.
The “Remoora” at Reef Magic, which we visited this time, is a brand new pontoon that was just installed in 2022. It is equipped with solar panels and wind turbines to supply electricity for a sustainable future.
A “GBR BIOLOGY” laboratory for coral reef research is located on the pontoon. Marine biologists are working there. Therefore, you may be given a small lecture on the ship. On the return trip, visitors can learn about the ecology of crown-of-thorns starfish, which devour coral, and observe the actual starfish. It is good for children’s intellectual education to be able to increase their knowledge as well as play!
Here are some typical activities on the pontoons. Based on snorkeling and scuba diving, which allows you to experience Moore Reef with your eyes and body. Snorkeling equipment, Lycra suits, and wetsuits are available for rent. Even life jackets are roundly provided.
This time, we participated in an “introductory scuba diving lesson” (from 119 AUD in advance / from 139 AUD on the day) along with snorkeling. Before diving, we practiced ear removal and mask clearing in the moon pool, and then slowly sank down with a chain to get used to the water pressure.
Underwater, the instructor always grabs your hand to act, and communicates with you by pointing out sights and hand signs. The maximum depth is 12 meters, but we work in the basic 4 to 5 meter area. Observing the dense coral and fish from a different perspective than when snorkeling is a unique experience. Once you have experienced it, you will want to try it every time you visit!
By the time you get out of the water, a buffet lunch will be served. After lunch, we recommend a relaxing “glass-bottom boat” ride to observe the coral. You can see the state of the coral plantation and discover a wide range of coral species from hard to soft. You can also learn about the fishing methods of the Aboriginal people.
It would be a shame to fall asleep on the way back to port after enjoying the Great Barrier Reef! The 90-minute cruise on the “Reef Magic II” is also very busy, with the learning program I mentioned above, didgeridoo performances and lectures by Aboriginal people, and much more.
© Source travel watch