Celebrating our actual 25th Anniversary today, a whole 18 hours earlier than if
we were in the States.
Woke up early to check-in at Wavelength Reef Cruises by 8:00 am. Wavelength is the only reef tour owned and operated by Marine Biologist. Almost decided to walk there, but being this was our visit we thought "better safe than sorry" and
drove 3 minutes to the marina.
The boat launched and took us out to Opal Reef located on the Great Barrier Reef. Safety lessons and informational talks along the way. We were told we couldn't have come on a better day. Clear visibility in the water out to 20 meters, 10-knot winds, and clear skies. It took us an hour to get to our first stop, "Bashful Boomie".
We suited up with stinger suits, snorkels, masks, and fins.
Saw lots of beautiful varieties of fish on the reef including parrotfish. Alecia gave it a go but decided it wasn't for her and didn't want to slow down my insatiable curiosity and desire for unabated exploration. She spent her time talking politics with a Brit who moved his family to Sydney thirteen years ago to enjoy a slower lifestyle. After an hour in the water, the boat signaled to come back on board. Brownies and fruit, with water, coffee, or tea were available to snack on.
Next stop, "Ray-Ban." This particular site has a famous inhabitant, Nemo the clown anemone-fish. Guided tours were offered in the water and points of interest were pointed out, including a giant clam.
Learned that good healthy corral are shades of brown or taupe. Some reds, yellows, and mauve. Many expect to see these lush colours as portrayed by the media. One coral, in particular, is called bullhorn corral. When healthy it is brownish with light blue tips. When in distress it is all bright blue, dead color is gray and crumbling. Got to touch a sea cucumber and also saw the tail end of a large Moray Eel swimming away. The tour guide we got was from the states who earned her degree from the University of New Hampshire. Sandwich fixings, fruit, and potatoes salad were served for lunch. Last stop "SNO" which is short for South North Opal. It has the best possible coral cover, with truly beautiful gardens of plate corral.
Here's, one of the largest locals, a Maori wrasse they call Hamitch. He swam up to greet us and stayed with us quite awhile, showing off and responding to our guides. As I'm updating this in 2024 it seems Hamitch has either passed on, or been renamed, as the visiting Maori wrasse is now named Marvin. The ride back took over an hour and the crew served chocolate chip cheesecake and warm drinks. You could see that everyone was wiped out.
Back in the town of Port a Douglas, we went to The Mexican for dinner. Ordered our traditional fajitas to split. It was okay, but not as good as what we have in Wenatchee and NO cabbage salsa. They charge you for everything. Extra salsa and even chips. Ordered churro's with a hot salted caramel dip for dessert, our favorite part of the meal, and truly delicious.
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