Back in August, we took a week out of a cold and wet Hobart winter to visit the Great Barrier Reef! We spent our time exploring the Cairns, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation area and marveled at some sights that almost made me think – is this wonderland still actually Australia? 🙂

Stunning blue skies for our Great Barrier Reef cruise back in August 2019

We joined a Quicksilver Cruise to the outer reef where we were able to snorkel and join a few other activities to experience the reef and sealife. These photos were all captured through a rented camera in waterproof housing which I am so glad I decided to get. It was magnificent to snorkel (my first time) and photograph this underwater world of corals, fish and just before it was time to get out of the water – a green sea turtle! Here are the photos.

A parrot fish (I think)

Corals and fish at Agincourt Reef

Clams

Corals and fish at Agincourt Reef

Blue tipped corals – apparently a good sign of regrowth after bleaching

Corals at Agincourt Reef

Corals and fish at Agincourt Reef

Corals and fish at Agincourt Reef

Corals and fish at Agincourt Reef

Green Sea Turtle on the Great Barrier Reef

Green Sea Turtle on the Great Barrier Reef

We had the perfect conditions for it. Blue skies, no wind and incredibly (for someone used to winters in Tasmania) 28 degrees. Even the guides aboard the ship were quite excited by the conditions (although I guess that is part of their job – but somehow I think they were sincere. It really was some stunning weather).

My tip for anyone joining a cruise like this – splash out for the water proof camera (if you don’t have your own that is of course). It cost me around $70 and basically you hire the camera, take as many photos/videos as you like, and you keep the SD card.

Another tip too – book using the Entertainment Book, you can save 20-25% 🙂