Day Eight - Great Barrier Reef

Headed down to the wharf early this morning for our trip on Ocean Freedom out to the Great Barrier Reef.
The trip out to our first stop at Upolu Cay took an hour. We jumped straight in the water for some snorkelling.

We had awesome views of the coral and lots of colourful fish. The crew are really cool and jump in the water too, to give one-on-one guided tours. Lil Sis and Jai were lucky enough to see a turtle, as well as a shark, and we both saw giant clams. Lil Sis got hold a sea cucumber and I held a starfish.

Photo credit: Jai from Ocean Freedom

We then went for a look on the glass bottom boat and saw another turtle.

We had lunch on board and headed over to 'Wonder Wall' on the edge of Upolu Reef for the afternoon. The glass bottom boat dropped us off at the far side of the reef and we had a couple over hours to snorkel our way back to the main boat.

Photo credit: Jeremy from Ocean Freedom

Taking a waterproof camera was a great idea

Again Lil Sis took the guided option and checked out the reef with Jeremy this time, spotting Unicorn fish, Clownfish and a stingray. I went on my own and spent a couple of hours in the water until I figured I better head back to the boat before I was too tired to make it. My favourite fish was the Tail-spot Wrasse which looks kind of like a rainbow paddle pop.

Off to the Atherton Tablelands tomorrow.  

Big Sis

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