On our last full day in Queensland, we hit the Reef, the largest living organism on Earth, easily discerned from space, and the refuge for thousands of species of coral, fish, and other magnificent underwater creatures.
We consulted Stephen for the very best way to experience the Reef and he suggested Synergy catamaran--a 60 foot double-hulled yacht with captain and experienced underwater guide. Sounded excellent so off we went--a 20km motor/sail out to the "Outer Reef" to a private mooring for superb and private snorkling. The conditions were excellent, with great visibility above and below the water. And when we weren't snorkling, we could lounge on the deck, partake of a gourmet lunch, and help ourselves to some bubbly.
Before anyone entered the water, we were dutifully lectured about the perils of encountering the devilish irukandji, a stinger the size of a fingernail with 100 times the venom of a cobra. Its sting is so painful, victims often plead for death (no kidding). We were at the tail end of irukandji season, but still... Isabella quite sensibly donned a stinger-proof suit and was resplendent (and safe) in blue. Meanwhile, the jokes about the incident from years ago where the couple was abandoned by one of those big touristy snorkling outfits were rather more abundant than necessary.
The girls ventured into the depths first . . . and immediately came up screaming, "shark!" They had indeed seen a white-tipped reef shark, confirmed by our fellow sailor, Emma, who confirmed the sighting and then promptly climbed back into the boat and waited another 2 hours before going back in again.
Sharks, excruciating stings from invisible jellyfish, possible abandonment to the elements by the yacht...we all went in the water without a second thought, for the Reef is one of the most beautiful and awesome things I've ever seen.
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