Our next stops along the Southern Great Barrier Reef and third post in the series is focused on Boult Reef. By now you know we love exploring. Boult Reef is new to us unlike the previous cays. It is also different because there is no island and few people go there. It is therefore good training in preparation for eventually going to the more remote Swain Reefs!
Boult is a reef with an enclosed lagoon. You have to get quite close before you see it. The first hint of a reef being there are the breaking waves in the distance. Once next to it you see the characteristic layers of colour: dark ultramarine in the deep water, a line of white breaking waves, the brown of the shallow reef, the stunning turquoise of the lagoon and then in the distance those same colours in reverse order. We’d hate to have been wandering around these parts before the navigation gear is what it is now! You can see how easily ships could get into strife.
Boult Reef colours
Here is an aerial view of Boult Reef showing where we anchored.
When anchoring along a coral reef, you have to be prepared for some chop and current which means some movement. You really need a calm day as there is very little shelter, especially at high tide. You also anchor in deeper water than usual: 10 to 12 meters, which for us is a lot. You need to allow a full 360 swing and there is about 3 meters of tide between high and low water. On a cat and on a gentle day it is a really special experience to be out there in such a beautiful if a little exposed spot. What is not so special is when the night weather is 1800 from what you had during the day, the breeze picks up to 16 knots and you end up spending an unnerving and uncomfortable night rock and rolling, with your stern to the reef! With a light and variable forecast, you kind of have to expect this but in all honesty we had assumed it would be the same at night as during the day. Lesson learnt! Variable also stands for unpredictable – the wind can come from anywhere!
Anchored at Boult Reef
But the main reason for coming here is the snorkeling which is really impressive. We see larger fish in big schools, quite a thrill as you swim along. There is plenty to catch with a spear gun but since we have a freezer full of food, we just look! We see a few different types of harmless sharks like the Banded Wobbegong and the Blacktip Reef Shark, as well as the more habitual damselfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, although in more varied colours than before. You go up narrow canyon-like valleys in the reef where all sorts of fish congregate and it feels like you are swimming through a cloud of them. There are ledges that harbour some slightly off-putting beasties, like the very large Seven-gilled Shark (about 5m long, also known as Ground Shark because of its habit of lying on the sand). Once we spotted that one we slowly backed out of that particular valley!
Here is a selection of our favorite underwater shots.
Banded Wobbegong Shark
Pinstriped Butterflyfish
Green Sea Turtle
Underwater garden at Boult Reef
For the feeling of being on a reef on our own surrounded by big fish, Boult Reef stands out as a special place. Next stop: our favorite Fitzroy Reef.
Here is the chart of the chain of reefs again so you can see our progress.
Sv-Anui 
Beautiful photos! Your making good time northward. 😎👍🏻
Hi John, slowing down now. There is a lot to explore and enjoy in these parts and we are now where we want to be.
Wow! Keeps getting better! Great shots Chris! The shark is pretty big…you’re right move to a different spot. Have a lot of fun my friend. 🙂
Yes the wobbegong shark was a decent size but you should have seen the one that was really big! Didn’t get a photo of that one… too scary to dive down and get close to it!
Wow! What beautiful colors!
This part of the Great Barrier Reef is an absolute treat for its vibrant colours wherever you look!
The color of the water in your photos is amazing, Chris. I particularly liked the shot of the sea turtle
Yes tropical waters around reefs and in lagoons are such a sight with their aqua colour. Sea turtles are always a delight. We see them regularly. It is particularly nice to swim with them!
Hi guys, I never really understood how diverse and complex the reef is, looking forward to getting there one day.
Hi Rusty, yes we are absolutely blown away by the diversity of marine life on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It truly is a wonder of the world. We feel very lucky to be exploring this region and enjoying so much beauty. We are also lucky to see it undamaged. It may be quite a different story further north, where coral bleaching is unfortunately affecting a large proportion of the reef – over 60%. So all we can say is don’t leave it too late to come and see it.
Amazing photos Chris, thank you so much, it is wonderful seeing these photos and reading your blog. Such an inspiration to sail to these places once time allows.
Oh Lindy, this is such an amazing place. Definitely put this in your bucket list! Hope it is not too far off for you.
Certainly will, hopefully not to far off, possibly next year, fingers crossed 🙂
Great photos – love the turtle – but then again I am a bit turtle centric. Water temperature is now up to 18 degrees…..heading your way a couple of degrees at at time…. xxx
18 degrees, getting better! Where have you got to?
Just back from a snorkel at Monkey Beach, Great Keppel. Followed a big turtle there and hopefully got a few nice shots. Really enjoying ourselves.
Nice! ‘Sailed into Port Stephens an hour ago. Weather looks like it is going to be difficult for a week – and we will have to wait for a replacement for our starter motor on the starboard engine. On the plus side – there is not a cloud in the sky!
Fair winds,
Andrew & Trish *s**v Sengo*
Enjoy Port Stephens. At least it is a nice spot to wait with plenty of walks as well as swimming. Always something to fix!
Not likely to find this little black duck swimming – still too cold… but we do have the book with the Port Stephens walks…. I just realised my last comment is not quite correct – it is the battery for the starter motor – so not so bad….
What fun you are having, loved the fish shark and turtle. The colours are amazing.
We are having a great time, Sue. It is getting better and better.
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