Review: Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays
No road trip in Australia would be complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef at some point. One of the world's most spectacular coral reef formations spanning some 2,300km along the east coast of Australia. Its so vast it can be seen from outer space and is the world's largest living structure with over 2,900 reefs and over 900 islands. The stats are as staggering as the coral is beautiful so this has been high on our bucket list for many years. Finally thanks to Cruise Whitsundays we had the chance to explore the reef for ourselves and see just what you get in a one day tour.
Reef world Pontoon
After an enjoyable journey we finally neared our destination for the day. The Reef World Pontoon situated right next to Hardy Reef. This stretch of coral is well protected from the pacific ocean currents making snorkelling and diving very easy for all skill levels. The floating pontoon is securely moored and has everything you need for a multitude of activities. There's plenty of dive and snorkel gear on board as well as wet suits and stinger suits for all sizes.!Travel With A Mate
Of course getting in the water is a priority here but there's plenty more on offer. Firstly there's a couple of fantastic viewing areas on the pontoon, a small opening in the floor at one end where you can clearly see fish swimming about and two massive grouper, one male and one female, that like to hang out all day just below the water. They are quite staggering in size, akin to a small shark or dolphin! At the other end of the pontoon there's a truly breathtaking underwater viewing area with plenty of steps to sit on and enjoy the view of thousands of fish swimming past the toughened glass windows.!Travel With A Mate
You can even see snorkelers and divers here if the visibility is good. Our 1 year old daughter thought this area was amazing, yelping every time she saw a big fish swim past. Its truly the easiest way to see the marine life here but I was eager to jump in the water and see it up close! We went down to this are numerous times and I highly recommend it as a place to just chill out away from the sunshine and watch the underwater world go by.
Other activities on offer
Not content with just snorkelling or diving, there's so much more you can do at the Reef World Pontoon. View the entire coral formations from above with helicopter rides, just a short boat ride over to the floating helicopter pads. Or maybe a free 30 minute trip in a semi-submersible boat with a glass bottom. We really enjoyed this as it almost feels like you're diving but with a guide who you can instantly ask questions to about everything you can see. The pontoon also has a sun-lounger deck and plenty of space to have an amazing buffet lunch. 4 hours just flew by and I really could have stayed there for at least another 4! We just managed to cram in all the included activities before it was time to board our boat once more and head back to the mainland.!Travel With A Mate
Thank you
A huge thank you to Cruise Whitsundays for their hospitality on our day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. It was an unforgettable experience that definitely made me want to explore more of this amazing living structure. A special thank you to the staff of our catamaran for their boundless energy and enthusiasm. I was surprised how much we could do at the reef and only wish we could have stayed longer. You can find out more at their website cruisewhitsundays.com and be sure to follow them on twitter and Facebook too for all the latest promotions.
Also thank you to Britz Campervans for their support on this road trip of a lifetime. Definitely the best way to explore Australia!!Travel With A Mate
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