Showing posts with label reefs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reefs. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

The Great Barrier Reef Spans almost 350,000 Square Kilometers

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of more than 2900 coral reefs and more than 900 individual islands




Nestled in the Northeast of Queensland, Australia, some 2 million tourists come to the Great Barrier Reef every year. In 2005, it was estimated that this tourism generated 5.1 Billion Australian dollars, up from 4 Billion Australian dollars in 2003.



By far, the most popular vacation activities here are diving and snorkeling, but if you find yourself here on a not-so-sunny afternoon, try glass bottom boats, underwater observatories, or helicopter flights. Judging by the above picture, a helicopter flight may be the best way to take in the magnitude of this coral paradise.






There are also 1500 species of fish living here. Keep an eye out for Yellow Faced Angelfishes, Fusiliers, or Tiger Sharks.

Happy swimming.