Big Cat Crew
Big Cat
Day 10 - Cairns - Green Island - Great Barrier Reef
Today we visited the reef by way of a full day Big Cat to Green Island ($190) with lunch. Traveling with 2 small kids still learning to swim, this tour option gave us a beach based snorkeling opportunity with shops and toilets nearby. Also the weather today was degrading with increased wind and surf due to an impending storm expected for the weekend.
The kids quickly overcame fears of swimming and breathing through a snorkel. The kids with floatation vests tandem swam with Lori and I off the beech a hundred yards to view the close in coral formations.
Beach Club lounge hire (includes kids pail and toys) was $22 for 2 chairs with an umbrella. This seemed a bit steep but gave us some refuge from the sun and sea. When the kids were done swimming, they played with the toys while we took turns venturing into deeper water for somewhat better coral viewing.
Most of the interesting photos are on the underwater camera. We'll have to pick the best and post them later. I'm not an expert of tropical fish species, but I'm guessing that I saw Spotted and Striped Trigger fish, large Parrot fish, Yellow Tang, Butterfly fish, some little electric blue and bright green fellas, , clams, a variety of hard and soft corals, and a zerba stiped fish that came right up to my mask to have a closer look.
The day's finale was the daily boat feeding of some meter long Batfish and Giant Trevally fish.
Recommendations:
The reef accessible from the beach is in very poor condition from overuse. There were enough tropical fish and corals to keep the kids entertained, but for the serious snorkel or dive experiences I could not recommend this option. I would probably opt for a smaller boat on an all day outing that visited several spots. We noted that "Calypso" was one such option.
If you do take the Big Cat out, the on board BBQ for $10 pp included was the best value. Island meals may be a bit fancier, but expect twice the cost.
While the Great Barrier Reef is nearest to the mainland near Cairns (about 10 km), the consensus was that the best of the reef is reached out of the Whitsunday Islands about 40 km from shore.
Wear a swim shirt and use sun block lotion. Its hot out there!
Quick Facts
Distance
n/a
Temp
22 - 25 C
Accomodation
Coconut
Caravan Village
Big 4
: ) :) : )
Fuel
n/a
Attractions
Big Cat
Green Island
Great Barrier Reef
Snorkeling