We have been to GBR 3 times: once on dayboats ex-Port Douglas (Agincourt), once from Lizard (Cod Hole, a ribbon reef), and the latest from Coral Princess II. That latter trip was the best by far.
We were fortunate to have had 3 great days at Ribbon Reefs 9 and 3, Escape Reef, and off Lizard, just before Cyclone Ita. It was amazing. Had been all set to go back in 2015, probably with Mike Ball, then started reading about the before-and-after photos of the reefs up there and the survey done of damages.
Has anyone been up there? Have feedback on how bad it is, especially at the reef tops? My husband can only snorkel and I am a scuba wannabee, so we will be up top, not deeper where it may have had less damage... We are very avid and mad keen snorkelers, with our own equipment.
Are the boats adjusting their itineraries after Ita, or should we look elsewhere for the next trip and thank the Universe that we got to see the GBR when we did? (We are not suited for the "outer reef and Coral Sea type trips, and are concerned that places on the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole with storm damage at the top may still be good for divers and thus still on itineraries.)
We were fortunate to have had 3 great days at Ribbon Reefs 9 and 3, Escape Reef, and off Lizard, just before Cyclone Ita. It was amazing. Had been all set to go back in 2015, probably with Mike Ball, then started reading about the before-and-after photos of the reefs up there and the survey done of damages.
Has anyone been up there? Have feedback on how bad it is, especially at the reef tops? My husband can only snorkel and I am a scuba wannabee, so we will be up top, not deeper where it may have had less damage... We are very avid and mad keen snorkelers, with our own equipment.
Are the boats adjusting their itineraries after Ita, or should we look elsewhere for the next trip and thank the Universe that we got to see the GBR when we did? (We are not suited for the "outer reef and Coral Sea type trips, and are concerned that places on the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole with storm damage at the top may still be good for divers and thus still on itineraries.)