The Great Barrier Reef : Things to Do and Interesting Facts.

Introduction

“Welcome to the world of the Great Barrier Reef! If you are a person who wants to explore this natural wonder then, you’ve come to the right place. Here we are going to provide some very crucial information about Things to do and Interesting facts about this great reef. In Order to understand and appreciate this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.

Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland of Australia. Great Barrier reef is a variety of world’s largest coral collection, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 of species, 4,000 types of mollusc. This becomes very popular of its eye-catching marine life with the coral reef system will always give a thrilling experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers too. Here you can also explore Marine species and fishes like sharks and worms. Never forget to dig deep into the great reef to know more about uncovering secrets and insights into these marine lives in order to get real-time experience.

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10 Best Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef;

1. Snorkeling:

The Great Barrier Reef is much more supportive of snorkeling trips. The main reason for snorkeling is the warm temperature, and underwater terrains that include caverns, pinnacles, caves with coral and islands. Explore the colorful coral formations and you can swim alongside diverse marine life like coral reefs and ecological systems. It’s the only unique opportunity to see the reef in closeup. The total space covered by these coral reefs is equal to Japan or Italy. Hasting Reef is considered a good place for snorkeling.

3. Scuba Diving:

The great barrier reef is known as the most extensive coral system in the entire world. With Scuba diving you can see and explore the world’s unique and rare 1500 types of fish and other coral species. Scuba diving will help you to discover the incredible underwater world of the Great barrier reef. Clownfish, butterflyfish, turtles, sharks and groupers can be seen while Scuba diving here on this reef. Depth ranges from 5 to 30 meters and is known as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world.

3. Reef Tours:

As we know, the Great Barrier Reef contains the world’s largest coral system. Take a guided tour to explore different parts of the Great Barrier Reef with a diversity of species, reefs and fishes. This gives a long-term travel feeling and systematically managed marine life. These tours often include activities like snorkeling or diving, and give detailed data about the reef’s ecosystem.

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4. Helicopter or Seaplane Ride:

Helicopter or Seaplane rides give you aerial views of this amazing great barrier reef SeaWorld. It covers 3,44,400 square Km in area. Enjoy a stunning aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef from a helicopter or seaplane with a total duration of 60 minutes. This eye-catching experience provides a unique perspective of flying, Whitehaven beach, hill inlet, and heart reef spots from the top. You should Book in advance and pay $875 per person to explore the great barrier reef in Helicopter.

5. Sailing and Boating:

Visitors can access boat tours with guided boat tours. Set sail on one of the many boat tours available, which provides incredible views, snorkeling opportunities, and even the chance to find dolphins and multiple sea fishes. If you are a boat lover then, one day service is also available for a more immersive experience. Moreover, normally a boat takes 2-3 hours of journey due to the location of the reef being far off Queensland.

6. Island Hopping:

You will see 600 continental islands and 150 inshore mangrove islands. Never miss to visit beautiful islands like Whitsunday Islands or Green Island, famous here in the Great Barrier Reef. Green Island is quite famous among them for its closeness to the mainland and 300 different types of sand cays. Hagger stone Island, a private island, holds eco-resort and island trails. The island allows you to enjoy pristine beaches, nature walks, and various water activities.

7. Glass-Bottom Boat Tours:

If you are not an expert in swimming or hate scuba diving or snorkeling then you can think about a glass-bottom boat tour. A unique boat tour will give an underwater feeling without touching a single drop of water. This tour is normally performed by family travelers, couples, and young kids. to observe the reef’s underwater wonders without getting wet. These tours provide a unique experience and perspective suitable for all ages. Normally glass bottom boat tours carry as much as passengers with clear space to see coral and sea life.

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8. Marine Wildlife Encounters:

More than 1,500 fishes and species are contained in the Great Barrier Reef. Out of 1500, 30 are Dolphins, whales, porpoises, wrasses, damselfish, angelfish, and triggerfish. Tiger sharks, and whale sharks, are also included.  To know more about these species, you should take a tour to swim with dolphins, turtles, and even manta rays. Definitely, it will give a life-changing experience to get a close real touch of feelings and personal experience with these magnificent creatures. In the Great Barrier Reef, you can see 133 types of sharks and rays, 1625 sorts of fishes, 500 types of worms, 100 species of jellyfish, 3000 varieties of mollusks and 600 sorts of corals.

9. Reef Research and Conservation Programs:

This program was developed in 2000 under the Coral reef conservative act. The main intention is to protect, conserve, and preserve the nation’s coral reef.  Moreover, this is associated with reef resources in Broward, Martin counties. Participating in a volunteer program focuses on research and conservation and marine species. Get involved in activities such as coral planting, reef monitoring, and educational workshops.

10. Submarine or Underwater Observatory:

Under Submarine, you can enjoy seeing giant corals, and marine life in a very close manner. Experience a submarine or visit an underwater observatory to witness the reef’s real touch feelings and beauty at various depths. Diving deeper into the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do thing here in Great Barrier Reef. The semi-submarine tour will take around 25 minutes and depart every 30 minutes.

Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Great Barrier Reef;

1. Size and location/ Great Barrier reef map:

The Great Barrier Reef is considered one of the largest coral reef systems in the world. It covers Earth’s 3,44,400 square Km in area or spans over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles). It contained world’s 10% of the world’s coral system and includes 2,900 different types of reefs.  It is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

Width: This reef system has between 60 to 250 km of width.

Length: Starting from Queensland to Bundaberg reef giant has 2,300 km of length.

Dept.: More than 2000 meters of long depth.

2. Biodiversity hotspot:

Today Great barrier reef is home to unique and endangered species. Capricorn Bunker region or Cape York is the perfect place for Snorkeling or Glass-Bottom Boat Tours or scuba in order to see fish or coral life. In the Great Barrier Reef, you can see 133 types of sharks and rays, 1625 sorts of fishes, 500 types of worms, 100 species of jellyfish, 3000 varieties of mollusks and 600 sorts of corals and 30 species of dolphins and whales.

3. World Heritage Site:

Interestingly, the Great Barrier Reef is recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. The reason for recognition is exceptional natural beauty and biological and scientific importance. More than that, its vastness, marine life system, and number of species are matters into consideration. It is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

4. Bleaching Events:

Bleaching events have been held in the Great Barrier Reef for the last 3 decades. Rising water temperatures due to climate change are a major reason for bleaching events. When corals are stressed, it will affect the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, then the reef turns into white colors. Even some locations are damaged almost 90% of the entire area. In the years 1980, 1982, 1992,1994, 1998, 2000, 2006, 2016, 2017 and 2022 bleaching events were held.

5. Indigenous connection:

You can see and explore indigenous communities near this great reef system. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples settled and were closely linked in the reef for a long period of time. The Great Barrier Reef has traditional and tribal cultural significance to Indigenous Australian communities. Explorers can see and learn from traditional practices, beliefs, and storytelling for thousands of years of these tribes’ communities.

6. Tourism magnet:

As we discussed earlier, the Great barrier reef system has great tourist attractions. Activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, Glass-Bottom Boat Tours, boat tours, Helicopter views and many more exploration options will allow people to witness the stunning marine life and vibrant coral formations very up close. Approximately, this big reef receives more than 5 million tourists every year.

7. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park:

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, established in 1975, covers approximately 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). It contained 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, and 4,000 types of mollusks and is known for the world’s largest coral reef collections. Seagrass, mangroves, and a sponge garden are never missing places in marine parks.

8. Threats to the reef:

Great barrier reefs are continuously affected and threatened by the water temperature, climate change, salinity, pesticides like overfishing, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks are major threats that damage reefs over a period of time. These affect and reduce the quality of water and marine life systems. So, Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving its delicate ecosystem.

9. The reef from space:

Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is also visible from space? Yes, this 2300-kilometre reef can easily be accessed from space and can be observed from outer space. Blue shallow lagoons are different from dark blue waters. NASA astronauts have captured stunning imagery of the reef, showcasing its intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

10. Research and conservation:

There are a lot of research and conservation programs being held and ongoing efforts dedicated to understanding and protecting the reef. Scientists, organizations, and governments from Australia and other Nations are working together to implement strategies to help reduce the impact of climate change and safeguard the future of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Last Words:

The Great Barrier Reef can be a perfect travel destination for people who prefer water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. Apart from that, there are a lot of things which you can learn with real touch and closeness of Coral life, fishes and marine species. So, never miss the opportunity to enjoy the life-changing experience and unique travel feelings along with exciting activities provided by the world’s largest coral reef system.