Diving the Great Barrier Reef
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Sep 7, 2004, 12:21
The best diving is focused on the northern and southern tails of the Reef, with many enthusiasts preferring to explore the Reef during the prime diving months from May to December. Some of the world's most exciting forms of diving are available, from wall diving on the Outer Barrier Reef, shipwreck diving to drift diving, where you and your dive boat freewheel with the current.
Friendly and expert Australian dive guides can lead you to hidden treasures in the form of coral-encrusted shipwrecks and the head-turning array of marine life attracted to these marine "hotels;" fantastic wall diving, bommies or bomboras (an Aboriginal word meaning coral outcropping), swim-throughs and natural holes created by rings of coral; in short, to all of the elements that have earned the Reef its reputation as a dive paradise.
Dive Conditions: Perfect
Generally, diving on the Reef is quite easy and safe because of the conservative depths, warm water and excellent visibility. Most of the best diving is within 60 feet of the surface. Newly-certified divers should have no problems diving at most sites.
Even non-certified divers can fully experience the Reef. Most dive operators will take those that are fit and healthy on guided "scuba experience" reef dives. Submersible crafts glide through active reef locations, and Queensland offers some of the finest snorkeling in the world. You don't have to be a scuba pro to experience the magical world below the surface. It's as simple as putting on a mask and paddling a few feet out from shore.
Where to start? With so many options available, the type of dive experience to select depends largely on the diver's commitment to diving.
Great Barrier Reef Ecology
The "Reef" is as fragile as it is beautiful. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority works with tour operators and resorts to minimize the impact of tourism. In turn, visitors must realize their responsibility for its protection. Apart from the fact that breaking off pieces of coral is an offense subject to a substantial fine, scuba divers and snorkelers should confine themselves to looking and not touching. The vast majority of visitors respect the Reef's ecology, preserving it for future generations who will explore this underwater wonder of the world.
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