Imagine seeing before your very eyes schools of vibrantly colored fish, sea turtles larger than the mind can comprehend, and coming face to face with a dolphin. This is a dream many have but never get to experience. But it is possible! All of this and more awaits all those who take a great barrier reef sailing trip.

Located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the great barrier reef is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. No where else on earth can one find so much marine life in such a dense population. This natural wonder can be experienced by taking a great barrier reef sailing trip. Great barrier reef sailing trips are affordable and easily accessible to tourists. Still not convinced that a great barrier reef is for you? Consider the following facts:

The great barrier reef is the largest coral reef in the world.

It is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs

Each individual reef is made out of billions of tiny living organisms

The great barrier reef has over 900 islands; taking up over 2,600 kilometers of coast line.

The great barrier reef is home to dolphins, humpback whales, several species of sea turtles, cone snails, pipefish, seahorses, and crown of thorns starfish (just to name a few).

There are many business offering excellent great barrier reef sailing trips. There are several packages available and there is something for everyone. Trips range from the basics to the luxurious. Tourists can take a small fishing boat out to the reefs for a relaxing day of fishing and above water photography. More costly packages include yacht trips with fine wine and food.

Most great barrier reef sailing trips have glass bottom boats. Glass bottom boats allow passengers to see the spectacular beauty of the reef without getting their feet wet. This is an excellent choice for families with small children or people with medical conditions.

The ultimate great barrier reef sailing trip is one which offers a package including scuba diving and snorkeling. In this way you can come face to face with the natural beauty of the reef. If you are not a great swimmer than take the snorkeling trip, which allows the experience of diving but in shallow water where little or no experience is needed. Imagine coming eye to eye with a gentle dolphin. Or, photographing a colorful bouquet of fish.

The Queensland coast offers many businesses that provide scuba diving classes. Many of these classes are made to cater to the vacationer whom has only a short time to learn to scuba dive. Classes are short and last only a few days. Each class ends with a instructor supervised dive at the great barrier reef.