A Day on The Great Barrier Reef

by Katherine Vallera
Last updated: 11:00 PM ET, Tue January 3, 2017

There's no doubt that the Great Barrier Reef is at the top of many people's bucket lists. I know it was at the top of mine, which is why I set sail with Ocean Spirit Cruises and Adventure North Australia to explore this incredible world heritage site. What impressed me most about this tour was how inclusive it was for passengers of all ages and varying abilities. Furthermore, their attentiveness to safety was absolutely superb.

"The marine tourism industry based on the Great Barrier Reef is the safest marine tourism industry in the world," remarked Col McKenzie, "We are also the most heavily government regulated."

McKenzie is the director and CEO or the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO) in Australia, which helps monitor and improve safety regulations in and around the Great Barrier Reef. As a result, they've had far less incidents per person when compared to other marine tourism destinations.

My catamaran cruise with Ocean Spirit Cruises sailed to a part of the Great Barrier Reef located next to Michaelmas Cay, a small island that is designated as a national park. Snorkeling is by far the most popular way to experience this wonder of the world. The portion of the reef around Michaelmas Cay is shallow with very little current. This makes it ideal for snorkelers of varying abilities and an activity the whole family can enjoy.

Ocean Spirit Cruises provides all the necessary equipment including masks, fins, lycra suits and buoyancy vests. Snorkelers are able to access the reef from the beach, versus other cruises where snorkelers have to jump off the boat. A crew member told me that Ocean Spirit Cruises does it this way because they believe it makes some people more comfortable to ease into the ocean at their own pace.

Keep in mind that it's always smart to swim with a buddy, but rest assured that snorkelers are under constant supervision. Should you need assistance while snorkeling or diving, Ocean Spirit Cruises has experienced lifeguards located on the beach as well as in small boats that circulate the reef. As a former lifeguard, I must say I was impressed by their dedicated surveillance as well as their superior knowledge of the reef and surrounding conditions.

You never know what you'll see when you're exploring the Great Barrier Reef. This marine wonderland is home to thousands of species of coral and wildlife inducing sea cucumbers, giant clams, clown fish, baby sharks (harmless) as well as giant sea turtles who like to nest in the cay. It's an incredible experience that shouldn't be missed!

Passengers can also experience the Great Barrier Reef from inside the boat's air conditioned semi-submarine, which provides underwater viewing windows three meters below the surface. The semi-submarine provides a safe and fun activity for people of all ages, even small children, to observe this natural wonder of the world. It makes the Great Barrier Reef accessible for everyone, even those who have physical limitations or are not comfortable getting in the water.

There's the opportunity to go birding with Ocean Spirit Cruises, as well. The island at Michaelmas Cay serves as a bird sanctuary for thousands of nesting seabird species including Sooty Terns, Crested Terns and Common Noddies. Ocean Spirit Cruises travels with a marine biologist onboard to answer questions about wildlife and host presentations. This adds an educational element to the cruise. All are welcome to attend scientific lectures highlighting the biology and geography of the Great Barrier Reef.

Additionally, there's equipment available for certified divers. When boarding the ship, all passengers are required to fill out a form evaluating their abilities and medical conditions. That way, crew members can make safety their number one priority. While I'm scuba certified, I have developed a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (an inner ear disorder that interferes with my ability to equalize). I informed the staff at Ocean Spirit Cruises, although I knew it might disqualify me from diving.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Is Tourism Saving the Great Barrier Reef?[/READMORE]

Fortunately, a scuba instructor onboard was happy to accommodate me. First, he sent the details of my medical history and medications to a dive doctor for evaluation before we even left the port. Then, he offered to take me shallow water diving on my own, apart from the more advanced divers. That way, I could take as much time as I needed to let my body adjust and only go as deep as I felt comfortable. I was impressed by his patience and willingness to accommodate my condition so I could remain safe while experiencing the Great Barrier Reef.

I touched base with Megan Bell, Media & Business Manager for the Quicksilver Group, the umbrella for Ocean Spirit Cruises. She explained the company has ships in their fleet that are wheelchair accessible, with features like ramps and water powered lifts. Let your travel agent know in advance if a member of your party has limited mobility, so they can be properly accommodated.

When checking in for your cruise, do what I did and BE HONEST with crew members regarding your medical history, pre-existing conditions and medications. That way, Ocean Spirit Cruises' highly trained crew members can best advise and do everything in their power to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

"Getting the information on a tourist's pre-existing medical conditions is of concern," remarked McKenzie of AMPTO, "because if we know the person has a medical issue we can take more care and keep a closer eye on them."

Overall, I was impressed by the staff's attention to safety and comfort, which is why I strongly recommend visiting the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Spirit Cruises. Their skilled staff members on board are fantastic and offer an array of activities so that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. It was clear to me that Australia has stricter safety regulations for snorkeling and diving than any other country I've visited. I had the most amazing experience and credit the ongoing commitment to safety for visitors who visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Catamaran cruises like the one I took with Ocean Spirit Cruises can be combined with other activities organized by Adventure North Australia, a tour operator that offers all kinds of tours from Cairns and Port Douglas. This company also charters private vessels to the Great Barrier Reef in combination with other fun adventure and culture travel experiences.