2/28/15 Great Barrier Reef

We got on a large catamaran to go out to the reef.  It took about an hour and a half.  We stopped and tied up at a large multi-level pontoon where there were activities for all.  There was a viewing station, a submersible, scuba, snorkeling, helmet diving, guided snorkeling with a marine biologist and a heliocopter ride over the reef.  The water was a lovely temperature and I saw two turtles, two white tipped reef sharks (about three feet long), a giant clam, and a number different corals and fish species.    Unfortunately, we could see some damage to the hard corals and there were very few soft corals in our immediate area.  We had a lunch buffet on the pontoon and got back to shore about 4:30.  We have just showered the salt off and will go to dinner soon.  I believe we are having another BBQ tonight.  We had another full day, but hopefully I will have some time soon to post some more pix.