Great Barrier Reef

Diving for me is a magical experience and diving the Great Barrier Reef was the one of the finest and exotic dives that I’ll never forget.

Not only is it the largest reef on this planet, it’s also a home to countless species of corals and fish life which can be found no where else. Not to mention the Great Barrier Reef is a centre of coral diversity – great for coral lovers. While I was pursuing my masters degree I dived extensively on various dive spots around Townsville (Wheeler's reef, Davis reef, Broad Hurst Reef, Bowden Reef, just to name a few) and witnessed the very wonders of the magnificent reef. Personally I preferred diving outside the main Barrier Reef since water visibility is much better compared to the inside.
A must see for everyone is coral spawning and this well documented on the Great Barrier Reef. Corals are animals and they reproduce once every year for a couple of nights during which all corals simultaneously let go of their eggs and sperms packaged in a bundle. Millions of bundles are released. It’s like being in a situation where the snow is falling upside down.

Personally I prefer to dive the Great Barrier Reef, whether its outer or inner reefs, during the dry, cool months since the water visibility is much better during this season.
As for getting to the reef, live-aboard is much better if you're prone to sea sickness. A lot of dive centres can predict the day and time corals will spawn and often base their drive trips around this event. Again there no guarantees in nature, it may happen or it may not – plan well and take a chance.