The Great Barrier Reef (20^th November 2014)

We took a Sailaway yacht out to Low Island, next to the larger Woody Island, to explore the world below the waves.

Woody & Low Island

The 50ft catamaran was a great size for a smallish group with enough cover from the sun if one required it.

Sailaway 50ft catamaran

We actually sailed on a broad reach both out and back with motors only used in the harbour and around the reef. The trip included all the gear for snorkelling plus lunch and a short tour around the island. The threat of stinger and box jelly fish meant that we all had to wear lycra suits, which also provided protection from the sun.

Haute Couture - "Lycra Lady" 

There were plenty of colourful fish to see around the coral as well as large variety of coral formations. One bonus, which we hadn’t seen on previous snorkelling trips was the large clams that could be seen opening and closing their “jaws”. When closed they just look like a large black set of lips.

Back in and ready to relax

On the way back in we spotted a pod of dolphins that followed the yacht for a bit. 

Dophins in tow

Relaxing on the sail back to harbour

Blogging off tomorrow as we fly to Brisbane to meet up with my cousins for the weekend, unless of course there are more airport incidents. The temperature in Brisbane has just cooled from 40 to 30C, and apparently nothing to do with the world politicians departing the G20!  There has also be torrential rain in the Brisbane area, hopefully now all over as we head off down.