October 8, 2023 Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef

We booked an overnight snorkel adventure on the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns with Diver's Den.  They are a dive operation with snorkeling also offered.  We liked their itinerary and figured they would go to sites more remote than the general snorkeling hoards.  In researching companies, I realized there is the outer reef and the inner reef.  The Inner Reef grows out from the mainland and islands, is shallower, and smaller wildlife.  The Outer Reef was where we wanted to be-deeper, more vibrant coral formations, and diverse marine life.  I also figured out that Cairns is at -16 latitude.  That is comparable to Belize in the northern hemisphere.  So the weather would be nice this time of year, and not too hot. 

We had a reservation at the same hotel for 2 nights after we returned from the boat.  I asked our hotel about leaving our extra bags at their front desk.  They told us that no one was booked for our room, so we could just leave everything in there without paying for the extra night.  That was really nice of them.  It also meant we didn't have to clean out our refrigerator.  And of course, there was a nice tip in there for their desk person.  He has been very friendly and helpful.

We had arranged with Diver's Den to be picked up at our hotel at 7:30am.  They took us by bus to Cairns Marlin Marina where we boarded Sea Quest, the boat that would transfer us to the overnight boat on the reef, Ocean Quest.  We departed about 8:30 am.  There were about 40 guests on the boat.  There was a 20 mph wind which made for a rough ride.  I would say about 30 people headed to the back deck to avoid getting sea sick, or because they were already sick.  We thought for sure we were going to get puked on as people rushed by to head outside.  Of course, we were comfortable with the motion.  We asked them at what point do they cancel the trip, 35mph.  I'd hate to have to deal with that. 

We met another couple, probably about 60 years old, and became friends with them quickly, Eddy and Amanda.  I think we were the oldest ones on the boat, with them second in line.  All the others seemed to be in their 20's or 30's.  The couple we met were from North Carolina but were living in Kenya working with the Baptist Ministries.  Eddy ministers to the native ministers.  And Amanda helps in the medical clinic.  She was given some basic medical training to help with everyday ailments.  The natives believed that most things could be cured by throwing up.  Eddy had become a certified scuba diver and that brought them to this trip.  As we visited and mentioned the Bahamas, they said the Methodist church in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera helps fund their mission.  I have been to that church and have heard them talk about this mission!  Another small world coincidence.  

inside the Sea Quest.  Not a lot of hand holds for people moving to the back of the boat

 

 

On our way to the live aboard boat,  we stopped at 2 places to snorkel on the Reef.  Our first stop was at 10:00 am at Saxon Reef and the dive site was Coral Gardens.  We had a briefing about the area, then we swam from the boat to the reef.  We saw giant clams, a shark, Nemo-clown fish, and a huge reef with blue coral.  And they always checked you off of a list when you got back on the boat.

the dive chart used for our briefing

the divers could choose if they wanted a dive master for an extra fee.  everywhere we have ever dove, you had to be with a dive master

sheepshead parrotfish

the clams were about 3 feet across the opening!

unicorn fish

reef shark about 5 ft long

parrotfish

Back at the boat, they served us lunch about noon.  Then we moved to another location to snorkel.  This was at Norman reef, at Super Cat dive site.  There was less viability because of the wind and rough water.

 

lunch-little blurry with the movement of the boat

butterfly fish

looked like a variation of a sea cucumber

anemonefish/Nemo

titan triggerfish

juvenile midnight snapper

titan triggerfish

6 banded angelfish

possibly moon wrasse in the coral

At 2:30, we transferred to Ocean Quest, our over night boat.  We had an introduction to the boat and were given our room assignments.  It was Eddy's birthday, so we had everyone sing happy birthday to him.  The Ocean Quest was 34.5 meters long and had a 14 meter beam.  There were 18 twin cabins, 4 double cabins (which we had) and 1 quad share room. 

Ocean Quest

At 3:30 we had our 3rd snorkel for the day.  This one was on Norman Reef, dive site Sandra's.  Dave had decided he had enough snorkeling and stayed on the boat.  The visibility wasn't as good as the 1st 2 sites.

 

the reef is where the water color turns from blue to greenish

under our boat

the mooring ball anchor

Before dinner, I learned a new card game, Shithead, from a crew member, Jimmy, who was from Cairns.  We then played with some other guests that knew the game, Tjasa from Slovenia and Daniella and Aroa from Spain (mother-daughter).   I also walked around the boat to get some photos.  Our dinner was served by 6:00.  We were very pleased with the food and service.  We went through a buffet line for each meal.  And there were usually enough for seconds, if needed. 

sun setting on the Coral Sea

aft deck on the second level

port side of upper level

the bar and lounge

bar and lounge

aft deck on lower level where we prepared for our dives/snorkeling

At 6:30 they had what they called "Sharks in the Dark".  For an extra fee, divers could do a night dive while the crew chum for sharks.  Normally people can lay on a platform at the water level, with goggles and snorkels, to be close to the sharks.  But because of the rough weather, that part was cancelled.  They threw food into the water to attract fish.  Then the sharks would come to eat the fish.  So they weren't sharks that would attack the divers.  

 

 After the shark show, they offered us a dessert bar and the lounge bar opened until 10:00.  I was invited to play cards with the crew.  I found my people!!  Jimmy was from Cairns, but the other guys were from the United Kingdom, Argentina and Norway.  So interesting to meet people from all over the world.  

 

 That night, as I was reaching to put my phone on a window sill, I got a cramp in my leg.  I got out of bed and was making moaning noises.  Then I remembered how sounds can carry on a boat.  Here we are, the oldest couple on the boat, and it probably sounded like were were having sex!