Werner Herzog once said ”What would an ocean be without a monster lurking in the dark? It would be like sleep without dreams.” Just like dreams are incredibly unpredictable, it is this uncertainty of what’s beneath the surface that makes the vast basins of bright blue water spanning our planet so fascinating to us. We know there is an entire world of underwater life, but we don’t quite understand the grandiosity of it until we really get up and close with the water.

However, while many adventurers don’t hesitate to plunge into the water and snorkel their way through the reef, there are those of us who would rather stay dry while exploring this world. And, it just happens to be the case that, thanks to its shallow landscape, the Great Barrier Reef located just off the coast of northeast Australia offers the perfect way to experience life under water from above. As one of the world’s richest areas when it comes to underwater life, the reef is thus a great place to start.

There are thousands of different species living along the reef creating a mesmerizing mosaic of vibrant colours and movement. Also, if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic humpback whales.

Sounds like an adventure in your taste? Then make some room in your busy schedule for a luxury retreat at Bloomfield Lodge and hop on one of their guided snorkelling trips. While on-board the Bloomfield Explorer, you are guaranteed to see the most beautiful areas of the great barrier reef without having to dip as much as a toe in the ocean. In order to get the most out of your one-on-one experience with the big blue, there’s a maximum of 12 guests on-board the boat and the trip is far away from the crowds.

Now, a day at the reef isn’t complete before you’ve reeled in your own fish. Therefore, the day also involves fishing on the way home where you also get to enjoy a gourmet lunch provided by your own private chef. The skilled guides bait the hooks and unhook the fish for you. All you have to do is to throw out your line and pull up that dream catch of yours. Who knows, maybe you’ll even reel in that big bad monster lurking deep down on the blue ocean floor.