Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Freedom

Yesterday i went out on the reef again and this time I went with a really awesome boat.

OCEAN FREEDOM!

The day started with me beeing at the marina at 7.30 in the morning. I haven't been up that early since i worked on the farm. I was even first on the boat so i took the chance to give a big yawn and have a nap before more people came on board.

My first impression of the boat was actually that it was bigger than I thought. It had heaps of space for snorkle and diving gear. A small saloon for you morning tea was inside and of course nobody says no thank you to a nice tea and fruit in the morning. There was a few different parts of the boat to be on and you could even be in the front wich i havent seen a lot of boats allowing. I took the chance to count everybody and we were about 45people +crew. That sounds more then it acctually was. It really didnt feel crowded at all.

I got to know a cool american called Jake on the boat. On trips like this its just so easy to start talking to people and get to know them.

Everybody seemed excited about going out on the reef. The trip out was nice and cool and we all really enjoyed chilling and enjoying the amazing view on our way out of Cairns .

Upolo Reef was our first destination and after safety and reef information, the gates where officially open for snorkeling. We were provided with snorkle gear and even information where to swim to get the best snorkeling experience. The crew was very helpful and funny. For weak swimmers they even offered to go out and drag people around, holding a life ring. The staff honestely didnt mind taking people out top guide them. This was a great thing and a lot of people were impressed because not everybody are confident enough to go around snorkeling on their own.

I was of course confident enough, so off I went!! Yippeeee!!!

I just want to say WOW! There was so much to see, big clams, no sorry, huge clams, clown fish, turtles, funny looking corals, parrotfish and Jake even saw a stingray on the hunt.

After all that splashing around I was really hungry and exhausted and this was just the first snorkeling site. Luckily enough, just when I came up it was time for lunch and that was a really nice buffet they had there. After swallowing all that yuki saltwater, it was just what I needed. Don't tell anyone but even if I said that I've quit, I had a Coca Cola. Yes i know, very bad bad boy, Kenny Lee! But what could i do? I was out on one of biggest and most amazing reefs in the world, I needed somekind of celebration. hehe...

The Second site we went to was Upolo Cay. From here we got out on a glassbottom boat with a marine biologist. He was funny and intresting to listen to as he told us about the barrier reef, Upolo cay and corals. He dropped us of on the sand island they call Upolo cay and from there we snorkeled out back to the boat. I didnt really like this spot as much as the first one. Dont take me wrong, it was still a really cool place but I personally got more out of the first spot.

After that it was time to head back. Now that was an experience. I usually dont get sea sick but we hit a lot of wind on our back home. In the begining it was all jumpy and fun but after 20min it started to be a bit to much for me. Call me weak if you want but have a look at the movie below.

All together I had an awesome day. Ocean Freedom is a really good boat with a fun crew and really nice food. They sure kept us well fed. On the way back they served fruits, cheese and crackers and also some cakes. It was really nice. I can really recommend Ocean Freedom to everyone that wants to go out on the reef for a full day. I also want to point out the very helpful and caring staff. They really wanted to help everybody to get the best experience on the reef as the could.

Thank you Ocean Freedom