Driving the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne was incredible with breathtaking views but we were ready to dive into the Great Barrier Reef.
We flew from Melbourne to the Cairns Airport and drove to Port Douglas.
THINGS TO BRING
- Swim suit
- Sunglasses
- Reef safe sunscreen
- Waterproof case for cell phone
- Gopro with stabilizer
- Motion sickness medicine
Just like any tourist activity, many options to snorkeling. We were only looking at snorkeling because neither of us are scuba certified.
I love swimming but for some reason I breath through my nose instead of my mouth, I think it’s because I’m afraid of getting water up my nose so I’m breathing out of my nose. Does that make sense?
Anywhos, after we booked the trip we bought a snorkeling mask so that I could practice in the pool because a couple years ago we went snorkeling in Mexico and I wasn’t able to keep up with the group. Looking back it was because my life vest was way too tight and I wasn’t able the breath! After some practice breathing I was a pro!
We ended up going with Wavelength because a marine biologist is on board to explain all about the fishies we will see. The cost was around $240/person for the whole day.
We also had the opportunity to do a free swim which is instead of just snorkeling near the boat, the boat left and we had to swim to the boat. It is best to be an experienced swimmer to do this one.
We got to wear these wet suits that also worked as flotation due to the material. Since we went in September the water was a bit chilly but warm in the sun.
We learned that the colorful coral reef that people use as their computer background is actually when the reef is in distress. Scientists are estimating more than 90% of coral to die by 2050.
We took 954 photos and 2 hours worth of swimming footage, may have been a little overkill but I didn’t want to miss anything!
Here are the best ones:
Please don’t touch the coral!
I just wanted to be one with the fish!
It is also very difficult to take photos under water!
Right before getting out of the water, we saw a massive fish!
We must do everything we can to keep our oceans clean! You might not think the ocean or the coral reef system have anything to do with you because we don’t live in the ocean but coral reefs provide habitat for fish and other animals. If the homes and food source of fish are gone, fish will then become extinct and then everything that eats fish (including us!) will be extinct.
What can we do to help? Use less plastic, use eco-friendly products, and keep our ocean clean!
Heading back to land we saw dolphins and whales! We didn’t bring our nice camera so the photos aren’t that great but here’s the best one as proof.
After swimming with the fishies and learning about the dying coral, I wanted to quit my job and join the Wavelength team to spread awareness about the beautiful great barrier reef!
But let’s be honest, we got went to go get sushi at On the Inlet! Needless to say, the sushi was very fresh!
If we had more time, we would have loved to check out the Whitsunday islands. One day we’ll sail there with our sailboat. Ross is planning on taking sailing classes this summer.
Have you been to the Whitsundays? If you have any tips please leave them in the comments!
The final stop on our journey down under was Sydney.
Xoxo,
Nina & Ross
(Image source: 
Our second favorite was the greek Natkos from 
Never Travel Without My Butler 