Post 5/7 in our Australia blog series
It’s one of the most famous natural structures in the world and you won’t be disappointed by it. The Great Barrier Reef has some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet and offers some stunning diving opportunities.Understandably, a lot of people are nervous about swimming in open water. The prospect of hopping off a boat to go diving in the middle of the ocean can make the whole experience unenjoyable.
What happens if you don’t want to get in the water or can’t swim? Economy Car Hire looks at less traditional ways to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Pontoons
There are ways to enjoy the reef and stay dry. One such company that offers a service to this end is Quicksilver, who own the largest outer reef pontoon. You can get a boat out to a fully equipped pontoon so you can still feel secure even though you are a long way from the shore. Quicksilver offer a variety of ways to experience the reef. If you are travelling with someone who would like to snorkel then that is provided for with unlimited snorkelling.
However, if you don’t want to get wet you still have some choices about what you want to do. The pontoon has an underwater observatory that gives you an excellent view of all the passing marine life. Some of the views you can get from here are excellent and you won’t feel like you are missing out at all. A buffet lunch is also included in the price for the day so you can pull up a chair on the sun deck and enjoy some great food. After lunch you can finish the day nicely by getting some inside knowledge on the reef by attending a talk on the reef by a marine biologist.
Stay on a reef island
Within the Great Barrier Reef are hundreds of small islands, some no more than rocky outcrops. There are, however many that will redefine your idea of paradise! Depending on where you are along the coast there are a variety of locations to choose from. They offer luxury accommodation that is perfect for a relaxing few nights stay.
There is an array of wildlife to see including some rare birds, and bush walks can be organised on particular islands. If you are looking for a paradise experience then this has got to be the option for you. The water is crystal clear and the beaches will surpass even your wildest expectations. You can rent kayaks to get on the water without getting wet and there’s also diving equipment that is available for rent.
The reef from the air
If you are looking for a different perspective on the reef, and you don’t suffer from vertigo, then take a look from the air. There are surprisingly a lot of different ways to do this. You can take a scenic flight, jump in a hot air balloon or gaze on the reef from a helicopter.
If you are looking for a one day trip then a short scenic flight offers a great view of the reef. Flights depart from either Port Douglas or Cairns so you can choose an itinerary to suit you.
Alternatively if you are after a more peaceful experience then a balloon flight over the reef can give you a real connection with the environment. Although balloons obviously have a shorter range than planes the experience is unlike anything else on offer. Finally if you fancy something even more alien and with a touch of glamour thrown in then you can head off in a helicopter for a scenic tour of the reef. The option to hover over a particular area of interest far off the coast makes this a unique experience.
Semi-submersible or glass bottomed boat.
So you’ve been on a pontoon, stayed on a tropical island and surveyed the glory of the reef from above. However, if you can’t swim or don’t want to dive then appreciating the up-close-and-personal beauty of the reef can be difficult.
To get a real understanding of what life is like on the reef nothing beats getting underwater. Don’t worry, we know you don’t want to swim, we were talking about semi-submersible boats. These submarine-like boats offer an underwater view of the reef so you are not missing out on any of the action. These boats are available at locations along the coast and there are both the semi-submersible boats and glass bottomed boats to choose from.
If you felt diving was beyond you and that the Great Barrier Reef isn’t worth a visit unless you get wet then I hope we have given you some different ideas. Seeing the reef in alternative ways means that you can rethink your misconceptions and visit one of the natural wonders of the world. After your visit to the reef if you have a few days spare be sure to give a visit to the Daintree Rainforest a thought.
