Have you ever had that feeling that you just couldn't get enough of something? Well, after our trip to the Agincourt Ribbon Reef, that is exactly how we felt about snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. We had originally planned to have Friday as a Free-Day, but we just couldn't resist the pull of the ocean. Therefore, on Thursday afternoon, we booked a second excursion out to the reef. This time, we selected The Low Isles. (My husband was traveling for work - the original reason for our trip, so I booked an excursion that I thought would be more manageable for just me and the kids)
The Low Isles are two small uninhabited islands off the coast at Port Douglas.
We took a catamaran out to the site.
The Low Isles
Little did I know that when I booked this excursion, that SHARKS were fairly prevalent at this location - a popular sea turtle breeding ground. As soon as the catamaran threw anchor, I saw the first shark, I counted at least 5 more within 5 minutes - to say that my heart was pounding out of my chest would be an understatement. How in the hell was I going to put my babies into the water with these 6ft + sharks? You see, sharks are one of my biggest phobias! I watched Jaws as a young child, and it terrified me! I had to be the Mom - I had to suck it up - I kept saying in my head "I can do this, I can do this." My 10 year old daughter was eager - the sharks did not phase her in the least. My 6 year old, on the other-hand, felt and verbalized many of the same thoughts racing through my head! Luckily we had befriended a guide on the ship and she reassured me that the Black Tip Reef Sharks and the Lemon Sharks were not at all interested in humans - whether that was true or not, I gambled everything on that statement.
When I titled this blog originally, I titled it as "Life Altering" because of this excursion.
This is an image from the boat - 2 sharks in the foreground - Snorkelers in the background!
Black tip and Lemon Sharks
Another Black Tip!
And yet another .... :)
I am so proud of my daughter for launching right into the water - she immediately saw a large sea turtle and followed it for several minutes - I had the camera unfortunately and was distracted by Will's screams that we were swimming towards the sharks! Will and I had to take a break, and regroup - I had to promise him all the sweets that he could eat that day to get him back in the water. I know, I know, bribery might not be the best parenting alternative, but I never said I was the best Mom on earth - I will claim to be a realist and know that this experience was too amazing to miss, so I had to do whatever it took to get my son into the water - and he would tell you today, that he is glad that I did!
The Low Isles Island
Launching area - a small craft takes you to shore where you put on your gear and launch
Giant Clam!
This looked like hands reaching to the skies - simply amazing!
It takes your breath away.
The coral here at The Low Isles is very different from Agincourt Ribbon Reef.
As 1st time snorkelers, we had no idea that different segments of the reef would contain such different life and coral.
Big sister helping her little brother - so proud of her!
This little guy overcame some BIG fears today - what a phenomenal experience!
My BRAVE little adventurer!
