At Lady Elliot Island you can step right off the beach and snorkel, swim and dive in one of the world’s richest marine eco-systems. It is not unusual to see a group of snorklers or guests in full dive gear entering the pool for lessons.
The Dive Shop has large selection of equipment for hire. This equipment is not included in the resort fee. Dive locations surround the island with visibility regularly exceeding 65 feet and water temperatures range from 65 to 81 degrees (F). Scuba diving is conducted daily and staff members escort all dives. Both shore and boat dives are possible but divers must produce a certification card. Time for the dive boat departure is posted each morning at the Educational Center.
Snorkeling was a great adventure. I had only done this once before in very shallow water so I was quite apprehensive about being in 60 feet of water. The day we went was absolute incredible - blue skies, white billowing clouds and the deepest azure blue water you could ever imagine. Leaving just after 11:00, with the island still within site, we set anchor on the outer reef and began our underwater adventure.
As a novice snorkeler, my reaction was one of awe and amazement - floating comfortably on the surface of the water looking into a beautiful brightly colored world of fish and coral. The colors of the reef and its inhabitants are indescribable: reds, cobalt blues, and vivid yellows.
The care the resort personnel took in making sure every guest could enjoy their island experience was amazing. On our snorkeling outing, there was an older gentleman, who was paralyzed on one side of his body. After most of the others were in the water, he strapped on a lifejacket and was gently lowered by the resort staff into the water. With his good arm securely through one side a life preserver and a crewman on the other side, off they went together to explore the coral reef; a real testament to the notion that with the "will" anyone can experience almost anything.
Pictures to follow.