Underwater Observatory / Glass Bottom Boat Tour
The highlight for me was the underwater observatory on Middle Island. For just $25 ($18 for students) we cruised out to the observatory and viewed the reef up close in perfect comfort. Then we took a ride on a glass bottomed boat over the reef which was barely meters below us. The pictures do not do the reef justice, it is something you have to see for yourself.
The under water observatory. It was located right on the edge of the reef, the darker patch of water.
Access to the observatory is by these stairs.
The space below water level was quite roomy and well lit.
There was plenty of information about the fish we could see.
The main attraction though was these windows, or rather what could be seen through them.
Fish. The water blurs what can be seen, the view in person was much better.
Big fish swim past the window with coral clearly visible in the background.
The sun reflects off of hundreds of fish.
Coral in the foreground. The tips were almost fluorescent blue.
Coral in several different shapes.
A school of fish swim past the window
Fish and coral
Coral and more coral
Big fish swim past leisurely
The sun penetrated deep into the water. The area was well lit.
Preparing the glass bottom boat.
Peering into the bottom of the boat. These girls were at Great Keppel for a geography class from the mainland.
The windows in the bottom of the boat were small but offered an excellent view of the reef below. I recommend placing your camera lens up against the glass for the best photos. Be sure to clean the lens between shots.
Brilliant blue tipped coral, just about a meter below the boat.
Fan coral
More coral and a large clam.
We drift over the remains of
a Taiwanese fishing boat.