We headed into Cairns early Saturday morning to take our cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef. We chose today based on the weather forecast of light winds (approx.. 18kph) in the morning. Just like in Canada, however, the weather forecasters often get it wrong; we left in winds "from 25-30 knots," according to one crew member (which is the equivalent of 45-50kph). As a result, the ninety-minute ride out to the snorkeling/diving spot was a challenge for us all. I can honestly say that about half the 140 people aboard made use of their seasickness bags, but not the Prouds - good on ya, girls! Seriously, about halfway out, Judy and I were having plenty of second thoughts about taking the longer tour to the outer reef rather than the shorter (45 min) ride out to Green Island.
With everyone safely on site, however, we were glad that we chose the longer trip. While substantially more expensive, we felt it was well worth it as the water clarity was great and the company, Reef Magic Tours, brings the smallest number of snorkelers of the tour operators out of Cairns.
We spent five hours at the Moore Reef site, snorkeling, taking the semi-submersible mini tour, and (for me!) diving. We were so impressed at the girls' enthusiasm to get in the water - Teaghan literally jumped in off the platform before we could get ready! Rowan did a great job as well, and both girls loved the experience. We saw lots of different species of fish, but unquestionably the star of the day was "Wally," the resident Māori Wrasse (so named for the distinctive markings on his head). We didn't take a dive camera with us, but purchased shots of us all posing with the giant ham (see final two photos posted next day - they are photos of the photos purchased, but we hope they are clear enough to enjoy)!
For me (besides seeing the girls thoroughly enjoying the snorkeling experience) the highlight was my first ever scuba dive. After a brief onboard primer, in which we learned "just keep breathing" is the maxim to remember, we were in and under the water. Because we had so many things to remember, like clearing water from one's mask, getting rid of pressure in one's ears, and paying attention to the dive instructor, we weren't allowed to bring a camera. Nonetheless, it was an exhilarating experience! Once I adjusted to the fact that I wasn't snorkeling (and had to worry about swallowing water and clearing the snorkel), I loved the sensation of being enveloped by the water - a really cool sensation of simultaneously being buoyed by the water beneath, while feeling the pressure from the water above. I can definitetly see how people can get hooked on this activity, and I look forward to sharing this experience with Judy and the girls in the future.
The first picture below is a goofy one on the pier before departure. Photos 2 & 3 are of the girls getting their gear ready and then putting their flippers on the dive platform before snorkeling away. Shot 3 is of the girls enjoying a cup of cool water while taking in some sun after lunch at the dive site platform. The last two shots in the second row are of the girls and me on the ride back in to Cairns (much calmer in the afternoon!). In the last shot, we are flashing the "everything is fine" sign that we were taught and that all divers will recognize - WHAT AN AWESOME DAY!!!!!!!!!!!
With everyone safely on site, however, we were glad that we chose the longer trip. While substantially more expensive, we felt it was well worth it as the water clarity was great and the company, Reef Magic Tours, brings the smallest number of snorkelers of the tour operators out of Cairns.
We spent five hours at the Moore Reef site, snorkeling, taking the semi-submersible mini tour, and (for me!) diving. We were so impressed at the girls' enthusiasm to get in the water - Teaghan literally jumped in off the platform before we could get ready! Rowan did a great job as well, and both girls loved the experience. We saw lots of different species of fish, but unquestionably the star of the day was "Wally," the resident Māori Wrasse (so named for the distinctive markings on his head). We didn't take a dive camera with us, but purchased shots of us all posing with the giant ham (see final two photos posted next day - they are photos of the photos purchased, but we hope they are clear enough to enjoy)!
For me (besides seeing the girls thoroughly enjoying the snorkeling experience) the highlight was my first ever scuba dive. After a brief onboard primer, in which we learned "just keep breathing" is the maxim to remember, we were in and under the water. Because we had so many things to remember, like clearing water from one's mask, getting rid of pressure in one's ears, and paying attention to the dive instructor, we weren't allowed to bring a camera. Nonetheless, it was an exhilarating experience! Once I adjusted to the fact that I wasn't snorkeling (and had to worry about swallowing water and clearing the snorkel), I loved the sensation of being enveloped by the water - a really cool sensation of simultaneously being buoyed by the water beneath, while feeling the pressure from the water above. I can definitetly see how people can get hooked on this activity, and I look forward to sharing this experience with Judy and the girls in the future.
The first picture below is a goofy one on the pier before departure. Photos 2 & 3 are of the girls getting their gear ready and then putting their flippers on the dive platform before snorkeling away. Shot 3 is of the girls enjoying a cup of cool water while taking in some sun after lunch at the dive site platform. The last two shots in the second row are of the girls and me on the ride back in to Cairns (much calmer in the afternoon!). In the last shot, we are flashing the "everything is fine" sign that we were taught and that all divers will recognize - WHAT AN AWESOME DAY!!!!!!!!!!!
Taken from the rear of the diving platform, this shows the girls, the clarity of the water, and the waves breaking over the outer reef in the background - beautiful!