Great Barrier Reef, Australia - My Dive Pics

Patwa · Jan 9, 2009

Hey All...

I figure it is about time I post shots of my recent dive trip to the Barrier Reef. Well, it's not that recent...it was back in April/May 2008

It was such an amazing experience...once in a lifetime......well, almost .....can't wait to head back there one day!

My base of operations was Cairns....a hot, tropical city on the north eastern coast of the continent, in the State of Queensland. My dive operator was Pro Dive - one of the largest and most respected dive establishments in the area.

I chose the PADI Open-Water 5-day 'Learn to Dive' course - 2 days in class, plus 3 days liveaboard on the boat for the certification and fun dives. All in all, a GREAT deal....I highly recommend it to anyone.....met piles of people (mostly backpackers)...enjoyed waaaay too much fine aussie beer, and finally, topped it off with 3 days of excitement on the Reef.....awesome.

-Pics taken with a Canon S1 IS (3.2MP)....with a custom underwater housing
-Colour correction and processing was done in Photoshop

at Melbourne airport waiting for my plane to take me to Cairns

The Outback

Pro Dive Training Centre

On to the Reef!

snorkelers, ahoy!

Patwa · Jan 9, 2009

i've got about 300 images to post....so, let's get it started!

keep in mind, this is my first ever dive...as such, my picture taking skills don't leave much to be desired. However, as you will see, the photos I post from my subsequent dives get much better with regard to colour and clarity

Green Turtle!!!!......pretty freakin amazing for a dude's first ever dive, eh???

Zach.

GMaquarium · Jan 9, 2009

Great pics. I am sure you had a good time. Its been a year for me since my last dive. Just dying to get back in the water. Thanks for sharing.

gflat65 · Jan 9, 2009

I hear ya, GM. October (over a year ago) was out last time getting wet. There has to be a three day weekend to the Bahama's coming up

.

I'm envious, Zach. I hope to make it to the GBR at some point in the next 10 years... I've not been outside of the Caribbean, so I'm jonesin' for anything (warm) Pacific/Indian.

So... Your first dive was on the GBR? That's just not fair

.

Patwa · Jan 11, 2009

gflat65 said:
I hear ya, GM. October (over a year ago) was out last time getting wet. There has to be a three day weekend to the Bahama's coming up.

I'm envious, Zach. I hope to make it to the GBR at some point in the next 10 years... I've not been outside of the Caribbean, so I'm jonesin' for anything (warm) Pacific/Indian.

So... Your first dive was on the GBR? That's just not fair.

Hey...yeah the Barrier Reef was my first time diving......I was heading to Oz to make it for a friend's wedding..figured i'd go see the reef as I was so close, but knew I had to learn to dive first......I found a very sweet package and signed up...one of my best vacation decisions, ever!....not many people can say they learned to dive on the Great Barrier Reef!

I'm working on a vacation for this year....heading back to the Philippines or Thailand...last time I was there I only snorkeled...not this time!!

Although i'm from the Caribbean, i have no interest in diving there....not to say there aren't some sweet spots to check out (Honduras, Cozumel, the world's second longest barrier reef, etc)....for me, I want to see CORAL....for that, the Indo-Pacific is the ultimate destination, no question about it....well, that and the Red Sea.

Zach

Patwa · Jan 11, 2009

here's the next batch

self portrait...hehe

massive blue-spot stingray

pink skunk clowns in an anemone

a very sweet leather.....nice yellow base, with almost white polyps....*droool*

Patwa · Jan 11, 2009

two maxima clams....for a size comparison, the one on the right is about 3 ft approx, measured lengthwise...crazy!

Zach.

Reef Pets · Jan 11, 2009

Wow! Great pics. I love the beds of acropora, amazing. Looks like it was a ton of fun...

jmuzzey · Jan 11, 2009

That is awesome, you are a very lucky person to be able to do all that. It is one of my fdreams to be able to dive the great barrier reef one day. Thanks for sharing the pics!

surfn · Jan 11, 2009

Patwa said:

wow, DROOL on that blue stag!!! if its that blue in the ocean, imagine how blue it would be in one of our tanks!!

BuyTheReef · Jan 11, 2009

Amazing. I just dove there as well with my suppliers. Lots more sps than I expected.

droblack · Jan 11, 2009

Great pics Zach! Must commend you for taking any pics on your first dive, but then again I pushed the limits the first time too. Really can be tough to handle the camera and do all the other things you have to do while not getting isolated from your group or buddy. Bet your hooked now!

Ocho Cinco · Jan 11, 2009

that looks like so much fun. I've never dove before but want to sooooo bad!! Especially there!

Saltysteele · Jan 11, 2009

more!!
more!!
more!!
more!!
more!!

ahayes13 · Jan 11, 2009

very nice pics !!!! looks like you had a great time....

Wild1 · Jan 12, 2009

Wheres the Great White Shark pics ? joking great pics man Johnnie

Jabis96 · Jan 12, 2009

the pictures are amazing but i think it also drives home the point why we should preserve these reefs to continue to have them for future generations!!!!