Australia's Great Barrier Reef
November 2009

Trip Overview

The Great Barrier Reef is appropriately described by superlatives. It's the largest organic structure ever created on the planet. At 1250 miles long, it's easily viewed from outer space, and within it's broad frontiers, encompasses one of world's the most diverse marine ecosystems. Roughly 400 species of coral provide habitat for over 1500 species of fish and several thousand different invertebrates. It's also the largest of 144 World Heritage Sites, and has benefited from over twenty years of protection and management from one of the oldest and most refined Marine Parks.

For our explorations of this area, we have chosen Heron Island as our base. Here's why.

The corals surrounding Heron Island typify this section of the Great Barrier Reef providing diverse habitats supporting a vast array of fish and invertebrates. The robust, healthy, shallow reefs make this area especially appropriate for our daily snorkeling excursions.

In addition to the reef itself, Heron Island features a modest, but well-established infrastructure. For this program, we are working to create a new form of collaboration, combining the comfort and amenities of the 4-star P&O Heron Island Resort with the educational resources of the neighboring Heron Island Research Station. Our goal is to create an experience full of educational opportunity, excellent snorkeling, good food, comfortable beds, and hot showers.

Our program begins in Sydney, often considered the most beautiful city of the Southern Hemisphere. We will be staying at the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel, located in the historic Rocks district and only a short walk from both the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. This neighborhood also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and easy access to other areas of downtown Sydney. For our time in Sydney, we've arranged several group activities that focus on marine education including visits to the commercial fish market, the aquarium, and the Natural History Museum.

We invite you to join us this November for a truly unique "immersion" into the politics, economics, research activities, and underwater beauty of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Skill Level

This program will be enjoyed by all snorkelers, from novice to expert. Your tour staff will gladly provide any needed snorkeling instruction, from floating to freediving. Whenever possible we will seek out protected water for our snorkeling excursions, but at times the surface may be choppy due to wind.

Trip Limit

Australia's Great Barrier Reef program is limited to 20 participants, with a minimum of 12. Due to the limited space available for this tour, reservations for space will be accepted in the order deposits are received.

Weather

Daytime temperatures in the areas we're visiting during the month of December range from the low 70's to the low 90's. Although we have selected this month because of low rainfall, in the tropices, there is always a chance of rain. Water temperature during this period ranges from the low 70's to the low 80's.

A Note About Snorkeling

Water temperatures are expected to be approximately 75-82 degrees F. Thermal tolerance obviously varies with each individual. As a guideline, many people wear a thin wet suit when in the water longer than 30 or 40 minutes. Please remember that some kind of covering (such as a Lycra suit or even pajamas!) when in the water is highly recommended as protection from sun, occasional stinging zooplankton, or to prevent coral abrasions.

Financial Information

Tour fee is based on land and air package. The land cost of Australia's Great Barrier Reef program is $TBA, based on double occupancy, plus $TBA (includes taxes) per person for international (from Los Angeles to Sydney) and domestic (within Australia) airfare on group flights. For those requesting a single room an additional supplement of $TBA will be added to the tour cost. Please be advised that single space is limited and subject to availability.