Article Summary
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of our Earth. Located off the coast of Northern Queensland in the Coral Sea, this reef is home to the most diverse coral ecosystem on the planet. Moreover, it is famed for the wealth of marine life that inhabits this colorful ocean wonderland, making it a Mecca for scuba divers and attracting approximately 1.6 million visitors each year.
With notable sites such as the Cod Hole, Steve’s Bommie, Lighthouse Bommie, and the Snake Pit, diving in the Great Barrier Reef is considered the ultimate scuba adventure.
Explore The Great Barrier Reef
The Coral Sea stretches from the shores of northeast Australia to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia, incorporating not only the Great Barrier Reef but also the Coral Sea Islands Territory.
In my view, the best way to explore this underwater paradise is by joining one of the many dive expeditions that explore the reef system daily. From snorkeling near the safety of a pontoon on the inner reefs to extreme ocean diving at Osprey Reef, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Having trained as a Divemaster in Costa Rica, I chose to volunteer with the crew of a 5-star liveaboard and spent 14 days working on the dive deck in exchange for the opportunity to dive the reef for free. While several companies offer work/experience exchange programs on the reef, only a few cater to the more adventurous aquatic explorers.
The trip is guided by an exceptional itinerary that includes dives at both the Great Barrier Reef and Osprey Reef, approximately 150 km from the shore. This itinerary liberates divers from the confines of the inner reef, leading directly to the crystal-clear waters of the ribbon reefs lining the underwater coral playground.
The Ribbon Reefs
Perhaps the best-known dive site on the reef is the Cod Hole, located on the northeast edge of Ribbon Reef #10. While the site is called The Cod Hole, it is not home to ordinary cod—these cod are enormous. Inhabited by Queensland grouper, known as potato cod thanks to their potato-shaped markings, they can grow to colossal sizes often equal to that of the divers who share their ocean home.
Diving at the Cod Hole is truly an experience. With large lips and bulbous eyes, the Queensland groupers are quite a sight to behold. Although their presence can be intimidating, they are gentle giants, seemingly content to entertain the curious divers visiting their habitat.
Steve’s Bommie
Steve’s Bommie offers another enlightening dive. This rocky outcrop rises from the seabed 40 m below, providing a haven for marine life navigating the reef system. This spot is perfect for observing macro life; I was thrilled to encounter a leafy scorpionfish, a rare frogfish, pipefish, and various nudibranchs.
By the end of my first full day diving on the reef, I discovered more fish species than I had throughout my entire diving career. As the sun set on the first day, we bid farewell to land and sailed out into the ocean, waking at dawn to a stunning 360-degree ocean horizon and a spectacular view over Osprey Reef.
Osprey Reef
Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll that forms part of the Northwest Group of islands in the Coral Sea. Although only 25 km long, it has become an oasis of life in the surrounding deserted ocean. The walls of the reef rise from depths of up to 2000 m, often enticing deep-sea creatures to surface and bask in warmer waters.
Among its unique residents is the dwarf form of Nautilus Pompilius. Isolated on the reef, this population has no connection to others of their kind and has developed a lineage unaffected by their relatives some 100 nautical miles away. In collaboration with a research lab back on the mainland, the crew collected samples of Nautilus for scientific studies, seeking to understand more about these fascinating creatures and their role in the reef ecosystem.
World Class Diving
Diving at Osprey provides a mind-blowing experience. The cold currents from the depths bring nutrient-rich waters, contributing to the diverse mix of marine life accessible to land lovers. Consequently, diving here is undeniably unique, with coral caves, swim-throughs, and vertical drop-offs creating an underwater landscape that resembles a natural city filled with towering coral structures and highways of crevasses.
Alongside manta rays and hammerheads, divers can observe reef sharks, jellyfish, various soft and hard corals, gigantic gorgonians, schooling trevally, tuna, and thousands of vibrant reef fish. After a day packed with diving, there’s also the chance to join crew members for a night dive, offering an entirely different underwater experience.
The Shark Feed Dive
If adrenaline fuels your adventures, then a trip to Osprey is a must. On our second day at sea, we were invited to participate in the shark feed dive. This ultimate diving experience commenced as soon as we entered the water. Upon descending, dark shadows circled below, and my heart raced as the sharks came into view.
Encircling the reef’s edge, the sharks were evidently familiar with dive protocols, leaving space on the coral for divers to perch. Over the next 20 minutes, the crew lowered a trash can filled with tuna heads, prompting the sharks to frenzy. Watching the sharks tear at the flesh, I was mesmerized, completely forgetting any fear.
Preserving the Great Barrier Reef
Diving the Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly a bucket list experience. However, it is only when surrounded by its rich diversity of life that one truly realizes how fortunate we are to access such a vibrant part of our planet. Though much has been done to protect the waters around the reef, significant work remains to preserve its beauty for generations to come.
As a scuba enthusiast, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend two full weeks on the reef. Every dive site provides a glimpse into a different mini-ecosystem, ensuring that no two dives are ever the same.
I highly recommend exploring work/experience exchange programs available at various dive operations in Cairns. Not only do these programs save a considerable amount of money, but they also enhance your dive knowledge and experience.
