Facts About The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australiadiving spot is because of the crystal clear waters and
is a popular tourist destination for scuba travelers. Theabundance of sea life. The depth is fairly shallow which
reef is legendary for its beauty. It is the largest reefmakes it great for novice to moderate level divers.
system in the world and spans more than 1400 miles. IfThe best way to see the reef is on a live aboard boat
you love to scuba, you probably hope to visit thewhich takes divers on extended expeditions to the
Great Barrier Reef someday. Here are a few factsreef. Smaller vessels take divers into the heart of the
about the great reef:reef on daytrips which last for 4-5 hours.
Location of the reefFinding a 'Dive Island' Resort
The Great Barrier Reef is located off the east coastThere are many islands surrounding the reef which
of Australia near Queensland. It is 185 miles from theoffer accommodations especially for reef divers and
mainland at the south and 12 miles from the mainlandoffer immediate access to the reef. For example, Cod
at the north. The widest point of the reef spans overHole is one of the most popular diving spots and it is
50 miles, the longest more than 1400 miles.located off Lizard Island.
How to get to thereBest Time to Visit the Reef
Flights depart daily for Australia from the west coastAll times of the year are suitable for diving in the Great
of the US. Once in Australia, you will most likely haveBarrier Reef. The area is tropical so the weather
to take a short domestic flight to the local cityremains pleasant throughout the year averaging
gateways to the reef which are Cairns and Townsvilletemperatures in the 70s to 80s. The most popular
at the northern end and Gladstone and Bundabery atmonths for diving at the Great Barrier Reef are during
the southern end.Australian summer which is the months of December
The Ultimate Scuba Diving Adventureto March.
The reasons the Great Barrier Reef is such a popular