Snorkeling at ReefHQ and the Great Barrier Reef #HogsAbroad in Australia

Snorkeling at ReefHQ
You know all of those giant aquarium tanks that you just wish you could jump in? Today we did just that. We suited up, headed out to the tank, and eased into the water. As soon as our flippers entered the tank a nice little leopard shark came up to investigate. The water was incredibly clear although a bit chilly. With a pool noodle tucked safely under our arms we ventured into another world, circling around the tank, spotting sea urchins, sea anemones, surgeon fish, and of course a huge variety of coral. Soon we learned how to duck dive under and wave at Dr. Jogan and the rest of our classmates through the tunnel window. It was so cool to see the schools of fish and we even got to touch a sea star and sea cucumber. I definitely ingested a lot of salt water but it was an amazing experience.

Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
For years I have watched documentaries and read about the Great Barrier Reef and its ecosystems. Today we were fortunate enough to join a minority of people who have seen it in person. We snorkeled for about an hour at Arthur bay and it was incredible! At the aquarium yesterday we were, obviously, confined, so to have free range today and explore uninhibited was amazing! It truly felt like I was swimming with the fish and it was easy to forget that I wasn’t a part of this underwater world. I saw a sting ray, a surgeon fish, and a yellow tang, among others; it was great to see the fish and the coral up close!! I had so much fun and am so grateful for the opportunity to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef and are all of its intricacies up close and personal!

--
Read more from the 2018 Trekking Australia students at https://uarkaustralia2018.wordpress.com/

Find out more about the U of A Faculty-Led: Trekking Australia: Animals, Aborigines, Rainforests and Reefs program.

Get started today! Search for your study abroad opportunity at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/