Great Barrier Reef: Ultimate Scuba Diving Experience
The Great Barrier Reef is considered to the ultimate in scuba diving adventures in the world which offer same excitement to experts as well as beginners. So what is so special about the Great Barrier Reef ? First of all, the size. Its simple huge - stretching over 1400 miles along Australia's East Coast. It is not only the largest reef system in the world, but many consider it as one of the most beautiful too. If this has been your dream to visit this natural wonder, here are some tips for the first-time traveler :
The Location of the Reef
Situated near Queensland in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is about 185 miles away from the mainland on the southern side. It is about 12 miles away from the shore on the northern side. It is about 50 miles wide at the northern side - the widest stretch. What can you expect to see at the Great Barrier Reef. The amazing variety of plant and animal life which have made its home here is mind-boggling. You can, actually see about 4000 species of mollusks, more than 1000 species of fish, about 380 species of coral, 500 species of seaweed, six varieties of sea turtles.
How to Get to the Barrier Reef
There are daily flights to Australia from the West Coast in the United States. When you reach Australia, you may have to take a small connecting flight to land near one of the gateways to the reef. Generally people go for Cairns and Townsville, two tropical cities located near the northern side of the reed. The other gateway is at Gladstone and Bundaberg, located near the southern side of the reef.
The Ultimate Scuba Diving Adventure
The calm and lucid waters around the reef make it the best location for scuba diving in the world. Water may run deep at certain places, but is generally moderate for amateurs to dive in. For beginners, diving should be in shallow waters - about 60 feet in depth. However for experts, there are reefs around the Coral Sea where the depth is about 300 feet.
To go through one of the best scuba diving experiences, you can board one of the popular 'live aboard' boats. These specialized boats take visitors right where the action is. Many such boats have convenient luxury amenities and can organize boats to take divers right at the center of the reef. There are day boats available for day-time scuba diving. These day boats take visitors for 4 to 5 hour trips into the reef. Even local resorts organize these day boats for their guests.
Finding a 'Dive Island' Resort
Resorts located in small islands around the reef are capable of organizing scuba diving trips for the guests. They provide convenient access to the reef and are great for visitors looking for a scuba diving adventure. Generally these resorts are situated in Lizard, Green, Lady Elliot, and Heron islands. 'Cod Hole" - a popular diving site is situated off Lizard Island.
Best Time to Visit the Reef
Anytime of the year is considered to be safe and suitable to visit the reef for scuba diving. This is because of the nature of the water which is normally calm and steady. The Australian summer is considered to be popular - which is between December and March. Because of the tropical climate, the temperature usually hovers around 70 to mid-80s.This makes a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding cities pleasant at anytime of the year.
Related Tags: travel, destinations, great barrier reef
Abby Johnson is a staff writer at Travel Gazette and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Lifestyle Gazette. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Things to do in Rabat, Malta
There are plenty of things to do in and around Rabat when you travel to Malta. 5 star luxury in your - 4 Sightseeing Highlights of Malta
Malta is a country with many things to see and do, as you will realise when you go on your Malta 5 s - Vacation Rentals - Something For Everyone!
There is no shortage of information on the vacation rental. I've written several articles on the top - Vacation Rentals - a Few Facts
Most everyone has some knowledge of the vacation rental. What I'd like to do here, in the confines o - Exotic Vacation Rentals
Travel is an adventure. In fact, that is why some us travel. Not for the relaxation, not for the cha - Vacation Rental Vs. Hotel
And the winner is….Well, read this, then decide!First, the ubiquitous hotel. Swathed in branded name - Tropical Vacation Homes - Investment or Destination?
Buying a vacation home for investment may be a great idea in these troubled economic times. Be certa - How to Choose a West Rim or South Rim Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
If you want to take a Grand Canyon helicopter tour, you must choose between the West Rim and the Sou - Albuquerque Downtown Hotels Discounts, Deals and Reservations
Providing their guests with the best possible service available, Quality Inn & Suites in downtown Al - Hotel Suites Albuquerque - Online Reservations and Specials
Located in the center of the beautiful and historic town of Albuquerque New Mexico, Clubhouse Inn &
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Brazil's Tourist Attractions
Despite its popularity, Brazil is largely unknown to a lot of people. Other spots around the world h - Visit Ancient Persia, Greece, and North Cyprus with Clearchus of Soli
Tour the Hellenistic remains of Soli in North Cyprus with Clearchus, a student of Aristotle. As he - Exotic Trips - Vacation In Venezuela
Venezuela is a favorite vacation destination. No wonder! For instance, Venezuela is home to the worl - Some Advice When Buying A Travel Cot
A cot is a piece of furniture that is used for babies, infants, campers and travelers. Baby cots are - Marriott Hotels Varied History and An Overview of Properties
Marriott International was established in 1993 when the Marriot Corporation split into two different - Holiday In Cape Town
If you are interested in one of the top vacation destinations in the world, Cape Town may be right f - Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages: Why You Should Purchase One
Are you about to be married within the next year or two? If so, have you started planning your honey - Cancun Weather
Cancun is one of the most well known tropical destinations in the world. Because Cancun is located j - Golf Lovers: Save Money With Hawaii Vacation Golf Packages
Are you one of the millions of Americans who enjoys playing the game of golf? If so, there is a good - Old Town San Diego
The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate life in both the early American and early Me