2020-03-16 – Hardy Reef and the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef

A highlight of our trip today…a cruise out to Great Barrier Reef for a day of sun, sea and snorkeling. The cruise was at times rather bumpy.  But we did well.

Upon arrival at the reef we docked at a pontoon structure that was positioned alongside the wall of the reef. 

Most people headed straight for the water. 

After staking out a place on the platform to store our stuff we headed down to the underwater viewing room.  There were thousands of small silvery fish swimming alongside the platform (and a few bigger fish).  One of the guides said that they are generally just referred to as bait fish.

We then took a shuttle boat over to the helicopter station as we had signed up for a helicopter ride.  While waiting we say a lot of sea birds fly by.  

We then boarded a helicopter for a flight over this section of the reef.  

The reef is magnificent from the air.

And we had a great treat, flying over Heart Reef.  So named because it looks just like a heart. 

We had lunch and then took a ride on the semi-submersible.  A “submarine” that doesn’t go under the water and it has windows along the sides so you can see all the great coral and fish.

Then it was time for our stinger suits and an hour or so of snorkeling along a great stretch of coral.  The coral seemed to be in good health and was very beautiful.  Such a variety.

And there were many fish.  It was awesome.

We also saw another green sea turtle.

And we even got a good view of a giant clam. 

By the time we decided to get out it was just time to board the boat for our return to Airlie Bay.  We had a great day.

Instead of going back to the hotel we decided to walk back into town and found a place overlooking the marina where we had dinner.  Then a nice walk back to the hotel.