The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 1,600 miles. The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Of interest, the Great Barrier Reef can also be seen from outer space.

The Great Barrier Reef supports a diversity of life which I thought I would share with you as it is staggering when written down:

*Thirty species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, including the dwarf minke whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, and the humpback whale.
*Six species of sea turtles: green sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, flatback turtle, and the olive ridley.
*Fifteen species of sea grass.
*Around 125 species of shark, stingray, skates or chimera.
*Nearly 5,000 species of mollusk have been recorded on the reef, including the giant clam.
*Forty-nine species of pipe fish and nine species of seahorse.
*At least seven species of frogs.
*Seventeen species of sea snake.
*More than 1,500 fish species to include the clownfish, red bass, red-throat emperor.
*At least 330 species of ascidians.
*Between 300-500 species of bryozoans live on the reef.
*Four hundred coral species, both hard corals and soft corals inhabit the reef.
*Five hundred species of marine algae or seaweed.

Due to the length of the Great Barrier Reef and the distance between some of the hottest diving spots, it is recommended that you use the “diveaboards” in order to maximize the number of dives you can fit in. Here are some of the recommended diving spots:
*Ribbon Reefs offer excellent diving and snorkeling for all experience levels. Here you find the famous Cod Hole where you can dive with friendly, diver-sized fish. These reefs offer the biggest variety of marine species and coral.
*North Coral Sea is for more experienced divers as it has stronger currents. It has large packs of grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and hammerhead sharks at certain times of the year.
*Cairns Outer Barrier Reef is where you will find walls, swim-throughs, and fields of coral. There is a diverse range of marine life from turtles to dolphins.

Australia is a year round dive destination but most recommend planning a trip between late August and early December in order to secure the best diving conditions.