Early breakfast at 6:45 am. Then, a three-minute walk over to the Reef Fleet Terminal for a 7:15 am check in for our tour, the Great Barrier Reef Snorkling Cruise. We departed on time at 8:00 to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran. Our first stop was 30 km out at the outer edge Upolu Cay Reef for 3 hours of snorkling and just kicking back in the boat’s lounge when we weren’t in the water.

    
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The morning swim done, we pulled anchor and did a fast run over to a second site, Hastings Reef. Once there we pulled in close to a floating platform that sent a tender over to pick up those of us that had opted for their optional submersible tour. It was a two-minute ride to the Reef Pioneer II semi-submersible underwater observatory. Climbing aboard, we were seated below water level. Everyone had a window seat to view the coral reef and the underwater activity around it. On board was a Marine Biologist with a live commentary.

      
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After 30 minutes aboard the submersible, we were ferried back to the catamaran for a hot and cold buffet lunch. Lunch done, those that wanted to return to the water did so for about an hour. By now it was 3:00 and we were scheduled to return to the Terminal by 4:30. Weighing anchor a final time, we did the return trip in just under an hour and a half.

      
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A couple of very tired travelers, we made our way back to our hotel room. Two hours later it was down to a restaurant and a quick supper. No wandering around tonight. Up to the room and off to bed early.