When I was asked to visit and write about the Great Barrier Reef, I was thrilled. I had heard reports of damage done by tourism and other industries, but felt that the Reef would still be a wonderful place to see. I was right it was an incredible sight.
From the air, the Great Barrier Reef seems huge.It stretches for 2000 kilometers and it's up to 800 meters wide. I wasn't sure how best to explore such a giant place, so after I had landed, I made enquiries and was told the best way to see the Reef is to take a dive cruise. I booked a place on a three-day cruise, and, despite warnings about the state of some of these boats, the boat I was on was comfortable and clean.The crew were helpful and pleasant and the price was also very reasonable. I was entitled to eight dives plus use of wet suit, flippers and other equipment, three meals a day and two nights' accommodation.
Although I have been diving before, I am not an experienced diver. However, I didn't think i could take part in a dive cruise and not dive. I was nervous to begin with, but soon felt completely safe. We were divided into groups according to our ability and each group was given an instructor. They had very strict rules At no point were we permitted to swim away on our own.
With our guides, we saw some amazing sea life including small sharks, crabs and thousands of colourful tropical fish swimming around in the coral. The other divers were friendly and the evenings on board were very pleasant. Altogether, it was a wonderful trip.
While I was at the Great Barrier Reef, it became perfectly clear from the conservation programmes I came across, that the damage I had heard about had been done. Industries have polluted the water, fishing has destroyed sea life and divers have damaged large parts of the coral. Environmental groups have done much to stop this damage, but sadly it continues.
Despite this, the Great Barrier Reef is a wonderful place to go. For me at least it is one of the most' significant natural wonders our earth has to offer.