The Great Barrier Reef is a tourism destination that is on many bucket lists for people around the world. For the stunning blue waters, the abundant wildlife and of course, the Instagram-worthy picture.
It’s one thing to do a day trip on a massive boat, canned in with hundreds of other tourists and do what I once heard called “the teabag”: jump in, get a little wet and then jump out again. Yes, those day trips take you to the outer reef, but do you really get to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef?
Recently Queensland Weekender travelled with Aroona Luxury Boat Charters to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for an experience of a lifetime. Five days and four nights on the remote and world-famous Ribbon Reefs – what a treat.
https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandWeekender/videos/2518512164874538/
Imagine: your own luxury boat with chef and experienced deckhands taking you to pristine sections of the reef – remote wilderness that barely sees one boat a week, let alone each month.
Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently lapping against the hull, moored up against a reef that you’ve got to yourself, ready to be explored.
Imagine kiteboarding over some of the most spectacular colours you’ve ever seen, just you with the wind in your hair, the sail in the sky, knowing there’ll be a long, hot freshwater shower waiting for you once you’ve done your ride.
https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandWeekender/videos/2481947218495107/
Imagine swimming with inquisitive Dwarf Minke Whales, massive animals that rise from the deep, just to eyeball you and gently swim away into the big blue.
Our minds were blown every day! These are just a sample of activities that you can only do on a live-aboard: kiteboard, scuba, snorkel, jump off the roof of the six-metre-high yacht. Adventure is everywhere to be found.
There’s no denying that over the last few years, our greatest natural asset, The Great Barrier Reef, has had some challenges; with consecutive coral bleaching events, news media would suggest that the Reef is on its way out.
https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandWeekender/videos/361694834502583/
“There is a misconception, really, that the reef is dead because the reef is definitely not dead,” skipper, Ross Miller, told us. “The reef is fantastic and it’s alive and well.”
Ross is right. While there have been some areas where (particularly) the inshore reefs closest to the mainland have suffered damage, there are still sections on the Outer Reef that are pristine; full of wildlife and healthy coral.
Being on the Outer Reef is a magical experience and something you must do, yes it can be pricey, but think of the memories you’ll create for the rest of time.
