October 31, 2014 - The Great Barrier Reef

Daily itinerary were:

• Boarded Sunlover Reed Cruise at 9:30AM
• Snorkeled at Moore Reef 
• Lunch on the outer reef activity pontoon
• Glass Bottom/Semi-submersible tours at Moore Reef
• Returned to Cairns around 5:30PM
• Shopped at Cairns Night Market
• Walked around the Esplanade Boardwalk

We got up earlier today to visit the Great Barrier Reef which is the main purpose of coming all the way from Sydney to Cairns.  Our tour was provided by the Sunlover Reef Cruises from 9:30AM to 5:30PM.  The Moore Reef on the Outer Barrier Reef was our destination for this day trip. It was about a 2 hours trip each way with short stop at the Fitzroy Island.  Some of our group members did have problem with seasickness caused by the ocean wave.

Once we got to the Moore Reef, the Sunlover Reef Cruises was connected to their spacious outer reef activity pontoon. They provided the snorkeling equipment free to allow us explore the awe-inspiring underwater spectacle of brilliantly colored corals and the unique marine species.  They also provided free glass bottom boat tour and semi-submersible tour. The also provided some optional tours for Seawalker Platform Helmet Dive, Scuba Dive, and guided Snorkel Safari.  The buffet lunch, coffee and tea made the trip pretty pleasant.

Once we got to the activity pontoon, all seasickness feeling went away, and we all suited up for the snorkeling. The water was very clear and pretty warm, therefore we could see a lot of magnificent corals at the bottom of the sea, and many tropical fishes swimming around us.  Some of the fishes even bumping into us while we were swimming along with them.  For me, this was definitely the best subsea experience I ever had.  After initial try of the snorkeling awesome experience, some of us went on to the glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tour.

In addition, they also held a fish feeding presentation and marine life lecture around a touch tank. They also allowed guests to touch many sea creatures.

After self provided dinner we went to the nearby night market again for more souvenir shopping.  Some of our group members brought more Lanolin Cream and UGG shoes. Some even bought Crocodile Dundee style hats.  Some of us walked to the Esplanade Boardwalk by the seaside to listen to some of the music played by local musicians.