My first experience with the Great Barrier Reef!

The Great Barrier Reef.  

Holy cow, an absolutely amazing experience!!  I truly did not expect to see as much as I did, and although did not see any turtles or sharks, I did see some beautiful fish.  As promised, I have tonnss of photos to share with you of the various fish species I snorkeled with and of the beautiful island I visited.

Off the coast of Cairns, Queensland, about 45 minutes by ferry is Fitzroy Island.  A beaauttiffuull island that houses a full resort where you can stay and enjoy a nice little vacay. (As if, ALL of cairns isn't perfect for a vacation), but anywho, in addition to the resort, Fitzroy has a lovely little beach front bar, where you can go to grab some lunch/dinner and drinks.

                                          

My mermaid photo.

Seriously, what's better than a day on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, eating, and drinking..? 

Nothing. That's what. 

Okay, here's the pictures of the fishies.  All thanks to Aaron and an underwater GoPro.

Unfortunately, the coral right off of the shore of Fitzroy, isn't as lush and vibrant as the coral out on the outer reef, but nonetheless very cool to see.  Not trying to do the whole, "save the reef" campaign here, butttt this is what happens when reef meets tourist interaction and pollution.  Sad, really :(  

Little, bright, blue fish! So cute.

Fish, literally, everywhere.
I was one with the fish. (And look! Gill from "Finding Nemo"!)

WOW. I am soooo great at photography.
Okay, kiddinngg. These little guys are Parrot Fish and were all over the place.  However, I didn't manage to get a photo of them that truly showed how beautiful they were, so I went the cheater way and stole one off of google.  Feel free, to think that my photography skills are still superb though.

"Oooohhh, Baraccuda! Dun, duda-dun duda-dun, dun dunnnn."

My first experience out at the reef was perfect in every way.  I had a wonderful day with some good friends, a great guy, and some beautiful little fish.  I certainly plan to go out to Fitzroy again, and hopefully the outer reef, as well.  Maybe next time, I'll even see some turtles, sharks, and Nemo.

What can I say, just another day in paradise.