Great Barrier Reef

[Anonymous]

If I can swing it, I'd like to scuba dive to explore the Great Barrier Reef. I would need to do the introductory dive because I'm not longer certified. I'm not as fit and young as I was either... being treated for hypertension and I see this is asked on the medical clearance forms.

In case that doesn't work out, I'm looking for recommendations on how best to explore - which part and how.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I can swing it, I'd like to scuba dive to explore the Great Barrier Reef. I would need to do the introductory dive because I'm not longer certified. I'm not as fit and young as I was either... being treated for hypertension and I see this is asked on the medical clearance forms.

In case that doesn't work out, I'm looking for recommendations on how best to explore - which part and how.

Former scuba diver here. I took a scuba refresher course in a pool a couple of years before going to GBR. I knew at that course that I no longer felt safe diving. It was sad to realize that, but better than being out somewhere and having an event which might have impacted my own, or someone else's, safety. I also have developed some sinus issues over the years and that was a concern, too.

FWIW, I took a boat tour out to one of the large floating pontoons out on GBR and had a great time! It's about an hour's ride out there. I spent several hours snorkeling and saw tons of stuff. It also included lunch. Worked out well as my DH is not comfortable snorkeling so at least he had a place to go and sit in the shade and have a drink, after he paddled around a bit.

[Anonymous]

Snorkeling is so much better

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Snorkeling is so much better

What!? No.

Does certification expire? I don’t think it does. But anyway, GBR is really struggling these days. I recommend Raja Ampat for the best reefs remaining.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Snorkeling is so much better

What!? No.

Does certification expire? I don’t think it does. But anyway, GBR is really struggling these days. I recommend Raja Ampat for the best reefs remaining.

OP here - you're right, it doesn't expire. It's for life. But I would need to do the refresher or an introductory dive. It's been years and I'm in different health now.

But thanks for the recommendation on the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If I can swing it, I'd like to scuba dive to explore the Great Barrier Reef. I would need to do the introductory dive because I'm not longer certified. I'm not as fit and young as I was either... being treated for hypertension and I see this is asked on the medical clearance forms.

In case that doesn't work out, I'm looking for recommendations on how best to explore - which part and how.

Former scuba diver here. I took a scuba refresher course in a pool a couple of years before going to GBR. I knew at that course that I no longer felt safe diving. It was sad to realize that, but better than being out somewhere and having an event which might have impacted my own, or someone else's, safety. I also have developed some sinus issues over the years and that was a concern, too.

FWIW, I took a boat tour out to one of the large floating pontoons out on GBR and had a great time! It's about an hour's ride out there. I spent several hours snorkeling and saw tons of stuff. It also included lunch. Worked out well as my DH is not comfortable snorkeling so at least he had a place to go and sit in the shade and have a drink, after he paddled around a bit.

Thanks, I suspect I'm not in the best health either. I will look into doing a refresher in a pool, that seems like a safe approach.

I'll look at your other recommendation also.

I'm also sad that it's not likely I'll feel 100% comfortable diving.

[Anonymous]

You have nothing to worry about. My mom dived with hypertension well into her 70s, and would still be diving if she was alive. My dive buddy is 78 and medically fine to dive. It’s perfectly fine. Treat your health anxiety.

[Anonymous]

Scuba certification never expires? That seems extremely unsafe. Wow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Snorkeling is so much better

What!? No.

Does certification expire? I don’t think it does. But anyway, GBR is really struggling these days. I recommend Raja Ampat for the best reefs remaining.

Snorkeling at the GBR is still absolutely fantastic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Snorkeling is so much better

What!? No.

Does certification expire? I don’t think it does. But anyway, GBR is really struggling these days. I recommend Raja Ampat for the best reefs remaining.

Snorkeling at the GBR is still absolutely fantastic.

Where we went out of Port Douglas was bleached and a complete waste of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If I can swing it, I'd like to scuba dive to explore the Great Barrier Reef. I would need to do the introductory dive because I'm not longer certified. I'm not as fit and young as I was either... being treated for hypertension and I see this is asked on the medical clearance forms.

In case that doesn't work out, I'm looking for recommendations on how best to explore - which part and how.

Make sure your travel insurance will cover scuba diving given your medical issues.

[Anonymous]

Go to scubaboard.com and ask there. They will initially suggest getting a DAN (Diver's Area Network) doctor to sign off on your diving. As much fun as diving is, you need more knowledgable advice than you will probably find on DCUM.

[Anonymous]

GBR has bleaching. Snorkeling is adequate for GBR. We wnt several times including Lizard Is before the bleaching started.
I think the southern part may be in better shape.
But honestly, snorkeling off a boat trip like Coral Expeditions will get you to the best of what's available. We went with them to GBR once and a longer trip to Raja Ampat. The latter was mind blowing and still great shape.

[Anonymous]

Here's so info about the extent of bleaching in 2024

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/17/great-barrier-reef-extreme-coral-bleaching

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go to scubaboard.com and ask there. They will initially suggest getting a DAN (Diver's Area Network) doctor to sign off on your diving. As much fun as diving is, you need more knowledgable advice than you will probably find on DCUM.

Thanks for this info.

For this post, I am looking for recommendations other than diving, to explore the GBR.

I'm not looking for an opinion from DCUM on whether I'm healthy enough or not to dive, so thanks for pointing out other resources to help determine that!