Diving Areas in the Great Barrier Reef
Because the "Land Down Under" has the perfect climate that supports the existence of coral reefs, many diving areas are located within the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. At the same time, the diving centres in here provide courses for beginners, while the professional trainers thereof are working on educating the divers about the significance of the area and the ways of preserving its natural beauty.
The Ribbon reefs located at the outer area of the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most awesome diving venues. Located at the continental islands off the Port Douglas and Cairns, this area allows the divers to marvel at its variety of reefs and coral walls. Underwater summits and a wide host of marine life make this diving area a tourist favorite. At the same time the geography of this area allows for a bit of diving challenge, with its strong currents perfect for drift diving.
Other diving sites in this area include the Dynamite Pass and the "Steve's Bommie". An avenue where fish species like tuna, grouper, baraccuda, trevally and mackerel swim through to feed on the passing schools of fish, the Dynamite Pass is a favorite diving site within the area. Here, scuba enthusiasts can swim with reef sharks and eagle rays while passing through sea walls covered with sea whips and black coral trees. On the other hand, showered with colorful marine species, the "Steve's Bommie" is another diving site where tourists can swim with different schools of fish.
Other equally significant and wonderful diving areas near the Great Barrier Reef are Saxon, Hastings and Norman reefs. Here, divers will encounter different sea animals like the giant clam, rainbow colored schools of fish, reef sharks, moray eels, as well as blue-spotted rays. Moreover, what make these areas a favorite among divers are its fantastic sea caves and coral shelves that even provide entrance points to daring divers.
The Cod Hole, located at the coastal areas of Cairns, is a diving venue where divers can feed the giant cods. Just 240 kilometres away from Cairns and 20 kilometres from the Lizard Island, this area provides waters ways for boat trips going to the Coral Sea.
The Mission Beach situated near the Great Barrier Reef is just an hour away from the main reef area. Composed of several natural island parks, the Mission beach has many diving sites to offer. Its major site is the Beaver Cay, a shallow cay made of sediments washed away and home to a number of small, marine animals. The site is perfect for budding divers since the waters here are not too deep.
Situated in the city of Townsville, The SS Yongala is considered as among the most challenging wreck dives in Australia. A steamship that sunk in 1911 along with its crew and passengers, the relics of SS Yongala is now a haven for barracudas, cods, reef fish, sharks, as well as moray eels. The site is 30 metres in depth and is highly recommended especially to experience or certified divers since certain parts of the sunken ship must be entered with caution.
In the far northern area of the Great Barrier Reef, the Silvertip City within the Mantis Reef presents yet another diving spot that should not be missed. The residents of this wonderful site are pelagics, lion fish and potato cods. The waters in this area have excellent visibility and possess warmer temperatures. On the other hand, the Magic Cave, also within the Mantis Reef, has many soft corals; while the Raine Island is the best place to go for divers who wish to see snoozing, green turtles, the largest habitat for the said species in the world, by the way, along with majestic coral reefs brimming with marine life.
Just near the shores of the Great Barrier Reef, the Green Island has a total area of 15 hectares. Marine species that flock in this diving site include bullseyes, rainbow trouts and jewel anemones. Meanwhile, the waters along Port Douglas also offer a wide selection of diving sites. A popular spot in this area is the Three Sisters, where sightings of gray baby whaler sharks are usual occurrences, while a habitat of the colorful clownfish, the Stepping Stones is another diving site. The Nurserie Bommie is another underwater summit populated with giant barracudas, sharks, moray eels and rays. The Low Isles, which is just 15 kilometres away from Port Douglas, is abundant with fish species. It is shallow enough, allowing divers to wade through the sunlight, thus it is perfect for novice divers.
A 14-hectare marine park, the Lady Musgrave Island is yet another famous diving destination. This coral cay is located within an eight-kilometre lagoon. It is rich in different aquatic life, with more than half of the species found in the Great Barrier Reef thriving and living within this island.
Species in the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is a home to many rare and endangered animals that is why it is a highly protected area. Recorded animals living in the reef include 30 species of dolphins, porpoises or whales (like the Indo-Pacific Humpback, Humpback Whale and Dolphin Dwarf Minke Whale), six species of sea turtles (including the Leatherback Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Hawksbill turtle, Olive Ridley, and Flatback Turtle), an abundance of dugongs, 15 species of seagrass, over 200 species of birds (including 40 species of waterbirds including the Roseate Tern and White-bellied Sea Eagle), 4000 species of mollusk (like cone snails, Giant Clam and various nudibranches), 17 species of sea snakes, more than 1500 species of fish (including the Red Bass, Red-Throat Emperor, Clownfish, and several species of Coral Trout and Snapper), 400 species of corals (both soft and hard corals), 500 species of seaweed and marine algae, and the irukandji jellyfish.
