Fascinating Great Barrier Reef Tours
A visit to Australia's Great Barrier Reef is a delight, especially for divers.
Great Barrier Reef tours are among the most popular of all excursions for those who want to learn more about the incredible marine life found here and for underwater photographers who are anxious to gather some of the best photos they'll ever produce.
Facts about Coral Reefs
Reefs form in areas where temperatures do not fall below 65° Fahrenheit for long periods at a time, so most are found between 30 degrees north and south of the equator. The water should be quite saline and clear enough for light to penetrate continuously.
The warm waters of the Southwest Pacific Ocean provided just the right environment for the formation of the gigantic Great Barrier Reef and the conditions have allowed the reef to remain in pristine condition.
It is so amazingly well-preserved that the World Heritage Trust has deemed it a protected site, so that it may remain in this condition for centuries to come.
Great Barrier Reef Tours and Activities
Dive tours are, naturally, the most popular activity in the areas that border the Great Barrier Reef. Many day trips are made available by a plethora of dive operators located up and down the coast. These trips usually last about 5-6 hours and may include guided dives, lectures by marine naturalists, and food and beverage for breakfast and/or lunch.
Novice divers are heartily welcomed on many diving tours and instruction is offered for these beginners. Non-divers may go snorkeling and enjoy the opportunity to see lots of fascinating sea life up close.
Additional outfitters offer live-aboard extended dives that may last up to a week, exploring various portions of the coral on these all-encompassing tours. Sleeping and showering facilities are provided and meals are specially prepared in the ship's galley.
Fishing charters are also popular among Great Barrier Reef tours and activities. Choose from half- or full-day adventures or multi-day expeditions. You're sure to come back with a great catch from the waters surrounding the reef.
If you prefer to stay dry, the Undersea World Aquarium, located in Cairns, offers visitors a look at 20 different reef habitats and allows you to watch experienced divers interact with and feed the fish. The divers and other marine experts are on-hand to answer your questions.
Reef cruises and glass bottom boat tours carry passengers out to the reef, with incredible views of the area and the native marine life. On these tours, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the fine fare that they serve to passengers onboard the boat.
Seaplanes and helicopters specialize in scenic tours by air of the Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding Marine Park. The views are magnificent and even if you plan on diving at the reef, you'll be thrilled by this aerial adventure.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Northern Australia basically has two seasons: the green (or wet) season and the dry season. The green season begins with the first monsoonal rains, usually around November, and ends in April.
The most popular time to visit is April through October, when the weather is dry and your Great Barrier Reef tours will be at their finest. If you do plan to visit during peak tourist season, schedule all your accommodations, flights, excursions, and activities in advance, if possible.
Posted by Pat on Monday, October 10, 2005