It’s inspired countless would-be divers to get certified and take the plunge. It covers an area about the same size as the United Kingdom, or half the size of Texas in the United States. It’s made up of more than 2,900 individual reefs and is the only living structure on earth that can be seen from outer space.
You guessed it: The legendary Great Barrier Reef.
This incredible destination is a must for all divers, and quite frankly, travelers in general. Forming over the course of thousands of years, the intricate architecture of the colorful reefs provides the ideal home for numerous plants and animals.
According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the reef boasts:
- 600 types of soft and hard corals
- 100+ species of jellyfish
- 3000 varieties of mollusks
- 500 species of worms
- 1625 types of fish
- 133 varieties of sharks and rays
- 30+ species of whales and dolphins
Divers who travel here enjoy countless opportunities to see unique flora and fauna, and they quickly learn why it’s one of the top dive destinations in the world. There are numerous amazing options for both day trips and live-aboard excursions that focus on different interests and levels of divers. And because so many people travel internationally to see the Great Barrier Reef, tourists can be confident they’ll find a PADI Dive Shop that caters to different languages.
Popular destinations from which travelers can access the Great Barrier Reef are Cairns and Port Douglas. These locations offer quick entry to an extensive range of dive sites. Take a trip to the stunning Agincourt Ribbon Reefs on the edge of Australia’s Continental Shelf. The next day, why not wall dive the beautiful Coral Gardens at Flynn Reef? There are also many other amazing options to base yourself from to explore the reef; from Bundaberg in the south all the way through to Cape Tribulation in the north of Queensland. Options may seem endless, but your vacation isn’t, so do some research on the best sites that suit your interests on ScubaEarth.
No matter how little or how much dive experience you have, a vacation to the Great Barrier Reef is sure to change your outlook on diving, and even life in general. The breathtaking sites really provide perspective of just how small we are in such a big, wonderful world.
Read the Vacation Spotlight on the Great Barrier Reef or Locate a PADI Dive Shop today!
