Okay, it’s definitely not as serious as the title of this blog post suggests but I was definitely getting stung by really tiny (if not almost microscopic) jellyfish while I was snorkeling. Twice on my lips, and constantly on my arms and legs. It feels like a tiny electric shock. You can still feel the sting after a few minutes.

It’s a good idea to wear a wetsuit because you will definitely get stung less. However, the suit does get hot after a while, even though you’re in the water. The water is actually quite warm. And don’t forget – the Australian sun will be beating down on your back. That being said, if it’s cloudy in Cairns, don’t be discouraged. Most of the reefs are about two hours out from shore. So when we got out to Breaking Patches (one of the reefs), it was completely sunny and turned out to be a beautiful day.

Before you go, here are some quick facts about the Great Barrier Reef that you should know:

1. It’s the largest coral reef system in the world
2. The reef is located in the Coral Sea
3. It can be seen from space (to get an idea of what that looks like, many companies offer helicopter tours if you want a different view of the reef)
4. The Great Barrier reef is actually a system of reefs – made up of 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands. You could probably spend your entire life exploring it and still never be finished.
5. The entire reef stretches for 1600 miles.
6. Over 1500 different species of fish call the Great Barrier Reef, home.
7. The reef is as big as Italy, Japan, or half of Texas.
8. For more facts, check out this site: http://www.greatbarrierreef.org/great-barrier-reef-facts.php

   

   Captured this video of a school of fish – just like the ones from “Finding Nemo”! (Sorry for the shakiness!)