Visit the Great Barrier Reef It was one of those dreams that you have since childhood, of those born just when you know that something exists and you have the imperial need to meet it in person. Only we assumed that one day we would explore it from the sea. But it was not like that…
After informing and talking with our friend Felipe, who is an expert in marine issues, we saw that it was not the best way (below we explain why), and we choose to make a scenic flight over the largest barrier in the world. And everything was a hit! But we go in parts:
Because he dies. So clear. Because of global warming and the bleaching phenomenon (coral bleaching), after the water temperature rises, the algae that cover the corals detach from it and it dies. It is estimated that 80% of the reefs in this part of the world are suffering from this terrible phenomenon And of course, the ecofriendly tours do not help.
We have been told that the boats are loaded up with tourists and that, when snorkeling, they step on the corals, kick with the fins (unintentionally, of course), the boats release the anchor without worrying at all about what they have underneath ... Anyway, a nonsense.
We had the feeling that this paradise corner is being exploited to the fullest, instead of taking care of it. Bread for today, hungry for tomorrow. But there are exceptions, apparently there are some operators with responsible diving tours, but as we do not dive we discard it a priori.
Beauty in danger of extinction
The most chungo problem of all is that if the coral reef dies, the surrounding ecosystem is affected completely: the little fish that live between the corals should leave, therefore the larger fish that feed on them would also have to look for other places. The birds that feed on the fish would be left without their main food, and thus everything ends up changing. The coral reef is not 4 coralitos put in a row, they are thousands of km (2,300 to be more exact) that form the largest living organism in the world! It is very sad 🙁
To this we must add that between November and May there is the possibility of meet one of the smallest and deadliest beings in the ocean: the irukandji jellyfish, which can be the size of a nail and with poison capable of killing. Come on, if you travel at this time, think about it, and not only for not damaging the coral, but also for not having to use your travel insurance (in the emergency or repatriation mode of the corpse).
If you are interested in snorkeling in the coral reefThey say that it is best to visit the Port Douglas area (more than the Cairns area). Apparently here the corals are in better condition and the tourist madness is not so beast. Mind you, find out and try to find a responsible tour operator!
In a word: yesííííííííí! And if you don't believe it, look:
It was one of the most amazing experiences we ever lived, the feeling was similar to what we had in the Grand Canyon: you feel a tiny dot in front of something immense, unbeatable, a little incomprehensible ... pouf, it is something that can not be described.
We decided to kill two birds with one stone (God, who said uglier, right?) And fly over the Whitsundays and the Barrier Reef, so we saw two wonders a few minutes away. In this area of the barrier, in addition, is the famous Heart reef, a heart-shaped reef that, call me cheesy that peels it, made me soooo excited.
The Whitsundays are spectacular
Here is the Heart Reef
Simply amazing!
We fly with GSL Aviation that comes out from Airlie Beach, and very well, the truth. The pilot was nice (although with a super closed aussie accent hehe) and above all he brought us back to the ground, which was what interested us. We were 5 passengers, all with a window and do not worry, because you go to the side you go, you will be able to see everything.
The process is simple: once you have made the reservation online, you go to Whitsunday Airport, where the office is located. Here there is free parking without problems. Remember to arrive 30 minutes in advance. There they give you a one-color card, and when it is your flight's turn, they call you by that color. You go to the plane with the pilot, who before boarding, tells you certain safety rules.
The flight lasted 1 hour which became very enjoyable, it cost € 150 / person.
Tip: if you want, apart from the flight, to land on the most famous beach of the Whitsundays and enjoy that paradise, there are flights that include this stop. You can take a look at this, for example. We did not do it but we believe it is the best and most complete option.
¿The tidal flight? Well, a little. Stealing that is prone to dizziness (which we are going to do, you can not be perfect) got a little affected. So if you also get dizzy, take a biodramina an hour before the flight (better with caffeine so you don't fall asleep, not for the Great Barrier, but for the 150 wasted wastes!).
Here we leave you a few photos from the clouds:
And this was the plane:
Of course, there was someone who criticized us for doing the flight (according to this person, the flights also favor climate change and yes, it is true, as is the use of spray deodorants, electricity, the car ...). At no time do we want to go from environmental paladins, but if we can avoid doing something that directly damages the ecosystem, then we do it and inform it is our duty.
Before going to Australia, we had no idea how chungos certain tours are for the conservation of the coral reef and we simply wanted to inform. Change and short.
