Fish of every shape, colour and pattern swarm around us as we snorkel off the reef platform. Large snapper and reef cod show no fear, maybe the protection afforded by the green zone influences them.
Every so often a turtle spurts away over the top of the reef or down into the depths. Turtle numbers have increased with five species of these endangered animals feeding around the reefs. The bright colours of giant clams are conspicuous with greens, blues, yellow and browns the most common. Rather than the colour of the clam itself these colours are from an algae that grows and thrives along with the clam.
The fast ferry trip back to Shute Harbour via Hamilton Island has its high point as we spot a couple of humpback whales.
