Great Barrier Reef Australia Vacation

Diving and Living on a Boat! Australia Great Barrier Reef, the best Time of my life!

Everything started out as a 2 day one night trip with my friend. We were going on a big boat from the Harbor from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. The trip to the Reef was brilliant. The Staff was amazing and really friendly. They all shared their knowledge of the reef and marine life with everyone who was interested. 

After 30min boat ride we were transferred to the live aboard boat...

The ship was really well organised and the Stuff could not do enough to make our stay very comfortable. They were always trying to make our experience as enjoyable as possible.  While on the reef we saw reef sharks, turtles, stingrays, clown fish, moray eels, big jellyfish, endless amounts of lovely colourful fish. 

My Friend was never diving before, it was her first time, the crew was really helpful and calm, as she were afraid of being under the water. She tried scuba diving for the first time, but for her its was much more enjoyable to just go snorkeling. The Crew was always prepared to do anything necessary to ensure everyone was having as good time as possible. I was impressed with all stuff on the boat as their attitude was a great example of how Australian tour operators can leave a great impression on overseas tourists. There would be no one leaving of these boats with an negative word about the "Reef-Encounter"

Two Month Great Barrier Reef!

After my stay at the Reef Encounter Live-aboard, I decided to join the crew as a volunteer. It was the best decision i have ever made. My job (with two other volunteers) was simply to clean the boat, help with the food, clean after costumers and help or support costumers. If you have ever worked in hospitality you kinda will have the hang of it, but its actually pretty simple and much more fun than work. In exchange we had the opportunity to have three dives a day, three delicious meals and free accommodation.

The crew was really professional and friendly. After a couple days you will feel already part of the team. I really enjoyed my time and mostly i was always looking forward to my dives. 

Dives:

Morning Dive - Before Breakfast, Before Sunrise, were all the fish is coming out to eat and do there morning stretch and wander threw the ocean

Before Lunch Dive - mostly the time where you could see a lot of Jellyfish's, Turtles, White Tip Reef-sharks, lots of Parrotfish and much more

Night Dive - lots of Sharks, White Tip, Black Tip, Groupers, Parrotfish with there sleeping bubble, Corals that you are able to touch at night, but not during the day

How did my day look like:

-waking up at 5:30
-6:00 Morning dive
-after you go and help with Breakfast and enjoy the deliciousness of
  food that they provide
-you clean up the dishes and start preparing the lounge for the    costumers
-another boat will come to pick up costumers that are leaving and new -costumers will come to board on the Reef Encounter
-you will clean and prepare the Cabins, change sheets, clean  bathrooms, fold laundry (simple tasks every day)
-10:00 Dive
-prepare Lunch, clean after Lunch
-13:00/16:00 Break
-help with Costumers, learn something new about the Environment  you are living in, Marine mammals and how to protect the Ocean
-prepare and help with Dinner and the Table
-clean after and get ready for the NIGHT DIVE
-clean after Night dive, shower and chill
 

You also have the possibility to start with your Divemasterprogram or any kind of course you would like to get ready for scuba diving every day and feel more comfortable day by day. 

The whole experience was amazing, I would not want to miss it and I highly recommend it for everyone who loves the Ocean, Water, Marine Mammals. Who wants to experience to live on the water. Who wants to learn diving. Who wants to experience fun and teamwork.