14:38.74S 145:38.14E
One of the reasons we stopped at Lizard Island is that it is the closest anchorage to Ribbon Reef Number 10, the north end of which is the location of the famous Cod Hole dive site. Yesterday we sailed out to the ribbon reef to go snorkelling there. It was cloudy and windy when we set off, and when we got to the dive site there was 28 knots of wind, with a lot of swell coming in through the pass in the reef. Rather than going to Cod Hole we picked up a mooring buoy at Cormorant Reef, which is more sheltered from the waves. So, in the end, despite having some doubts when we were sailing out there, everyone got to snorkel on the outer barrier reef. The visibility was pretty good (not as good as we have had in some other parts of the Pacific) but the coral colours were still excellent.
A profusion of colours 10DA
Lots if pinks and purples 10DB
The ever present giant clam 10DC
Emily diving to take a photo 10DD
The gangs all here 10DE