Blue Dive --Booked months in advance with this company in order to have a private guide, who was Dave.

Wharf Marina in Port Douglas to board the Poisedon boat to Agincourt Reefs, a collection of "ribbon reefs" running parallel to the continental shelf.

Boat ride very rough; 10' swells. Even Randy took a sea sick pill. Couldn't see out any windows because of waves washing over them. Lois' prescription mask fell on the floor and shattered. Not a good sign. From the bin of masks they have on board, found one with magnifying prescription that worked; thank goodness. Everyone wears skins because of "stingers." Also wore a shorty wet suit; water temp 82.

The all-day trip included 3 dives with snack and lunch provided.

#1--Castle Rock -- Large pinnacle rising from a steep sand cliff at the southern end of the reef, just around the corner from the continental shelf drop off. Enjoyed the white tipped shark. A Malabar Grouper named Colin swam with us quite a while, even posed for pictures.  

#2--Turtle Bay -- On the sheltered northern corner of the Reef. The dive starts in a sheltered coral garden on the edge of the lagoon before rounding the reef corner to drift along a steep wall. Thrilling to see a Loggerhead Turtle lying on bottom that let us get pretty close before swimming off. Beautiful Giant Clams, and the always fun-to-watch Clown Anemones.

Visibility today was not very good--10-15 feet.
Don't know how the snorkelers, which were half the people on the boat, could see anything. The boat was full--most with Poisedon, whose has a crew of about ten. Really great people.

The best thing we did was book a private guide.
He took us away from all the large groups.
Almost like having the reef to ourselves.
Very thankful for all the pictures our guide took. Between his photos and ours, we have great pictures of this once-in-a-lifetime experience diving on the famous Barrier Reef.