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Surrounded by the
Pacific, Southern and Indian Oceans, the country of Australia is also
the smallest continent in the world. As home to the largest reef in the
world, The Great Barrier Reef, it has long been associated with
snorkeling and scuba diving. As goes with its reputation, the Great
Barrier Reef has much to offer snorkelers. There are scores of tour
operators offering trips. Most of these trips launch from the tropical
city of Cairns. This is a place where the reef system is relatively
close to shore, although a boat trip is still necessary. Brilliant
corals and rich sea life are plentiful here, and there are a number of
trip options available. Further south, a day long or live aboard
sailing trip through the Whitsunday Islands offers numerous excellent
snorkeling opportunities. These will generally be in the pristine
waters surrounding the islands, in one of many protected coves.
However, they can also range out to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Even
further south, the beach town of Byron Bay has less to offer in the way
of coral formations, but spectacular ocean life such as nurse sharks,
rays and sea turtles. Although much of the focus of snorkeling in
Australia is on the eastern coast, the west coast of Australia also
contains excellent reefs, although reaching them can be a bit trickier.
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