2013 Best Summer Trip #10
Precisely why playful dwarf minke whales return to the same Great Barrier Reef locations each austral winter remains a mystery to researchers. Whatever the reasons, the annual arrival of these curious cetaceans off Queensland’s northeastern coast offers the rare opportunity to safely swim with whales in the wild.
When to Go: Mid-June to late July
How to Get Around: The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority issues a limited number of "swim with dwarf minke whales" permits to reef tourism operators like Mike Ball Dive Expeditions and Spirit of Freedom. To ensure the best odds of encountering the whales, book a diving and snorkeling tour that lasts three, four, or seven-nights. Single-day tours typically include transfers from Cairns or Port Douglas, onboard breakfast and lunch, and guided snorkel encounters with whales.
Where to Eat or Drink: Start with Australian antipasto (crocodile wonton, emu carpaccio) at inventive Ochre Restaurant in Cairns. For the main course, choose from seasonally fresh options like salt and native pepper crocodile, tempura bay bugs, and wattleseed pavlova. Reservations required.
Where to Stay: Exclusive, 40-suite Lizard Island Resort’s Great Barrier Reef location makes it possible to swim with whales by day and sleep in luxurious lodging at night. Rates include gourmet meals and picnic lunches, guided glass-bottom boat tours, and private access to 24 secluded beaches. Choose a scenic transfer by air from Cairns Airport for an exhilarating, low-level flight over the Great Barrier Reef.
What to Read Before You Go: Beautiful Whale by photographer and conservationist Bryant Austin (Abrams, 2013)
What to Watch Before You Go: Great Barrier Reef BBC special hosted by marine biologist Monty Halls
Helpful Links: Queensland Holidays and Tourism and Events Queensland
Fun Fact: Don’t let the name fool you. Although the dwarf minke whales found in the Southern Hemisphere are much smaller than northern, or common, minke whales, adult females can be about 26 feet long and weigh up to 14,000 pounds.
Staff Tip: While in Cairns to transfer to a boat or resort, visit one of the many quirky coffee shops serving fantastic espressos. I recommend artsy Caffiend for breakfast or Macaron Café for its colorful selection of delicious macaroons.
austral - 南方的，[A~] ＝Australian
cetacean - 鲸
authority - 许可，权限
snorkel - 用呼吸管潜水
onboard - 车船内的
antipasto - 前菜
crocodile - 鳄鱼
tempura - 天妇罗
wattleseed - 各种植物的可食用种子
pavlova - a dessert consisting of a meringue base or cup filled with fruit and whipped cream
scenic - 风景的
exhilarating - 使人高兴的，令人兴奋的;振奋的
quirky - 奇妙的
artsy - 像艺术品的
macaroon - chewy cookie usually containing almond paste
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