FAR OUT Walkabout: CAIRNS - GBR

By Jordan Haugan // 11 March 2011 // Comments: 0 // Related Categories: adventure, blogging, cairns, Far Out Adventure, Far Out Walkabout, Scuba, snorkeling

As if we couldn't pack enough AWESOME into our Cairns experience after bungy jumping, we headed out to the Great Barrier Reef via Down Under Cruise and Dive. We left the marina and headed out on the Osprey V, cutting through the waves towards the reef. It felt amazing just to be out on the water, feeling the cool sea breeze and the tide swelling beneath the boat. The wind was in our hair and the sun was in our eyes-we were feeling free as birds... birds about to swim with the fishes.

Finally, we arrived at the first reef destination. We grabbed our snorkel masks and fins and took the plunge. Right off the bat, we were immersed in a school of bright blue and yellow fish rapidly swimming around us! We paddled over to a couple dive instructors who handed us a large, squishy sea cucumber! It was like we had entered a new world-a weightless, colorful, worry-free world.

I think the real reason they gave us snorkels was to keep our mouths plugged, otherwise our jaws would be dropped the entire time... and we would've been swallowing liters of water! A lot of times, I found myself smiling and saying, "WOW" out loud! I had to empty my snorkel many times afterwards... The views are just that incredible. Everywhere you look, it's 360 degrees of pure oceanic bliss.

We hopped back in the boat and headed out to the second reef site! I didn't think it could get any better, but this reef site was known for being a very private, up-close-and-personal location to see the best coral and fish. As I was immersed in the water, Kevin was getting a spectacular view from the clouds in the Reef Heli Tour. In the air or under the sea, the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute MUST SEE!

The reef can only be described as endless, breath-taking beauty. When you're under the water, staring at the never-ending expanse of exotic colors, shapes, and textures, it's like being in a completely different world. We rented a really nice HD camera because, well, words just don't do it justice. Take a look at the pictures on the right to get an idea of the amazing sights you can see at the reef!

This was one beautiful underwater adventure that I'll never forget. I've never seen anything like the Great Barrier Reef in my entire life and now I can clearly see why it is the seventh wonder of the world. So, if you want to discover the reef in all its radiant glory, this is one opportunity you can't miss!

Click here to check out Jord & Kev's Far Out Walkabout: CAIRNS!

Click here to book a tour to the reef via Down Under Cruise and Dive.