I have very bad nearsightedness and cannot wear contact lenses, so I only swim in swimming pools and would not be comfortable scuba diving or snorkeling in GBR. What would be some of the recommended GBR activities? And which tour group would you recommend that operates out of Cairns in October?
Great Barrier Reef tour for non-swimmers
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Consider one of the tours that operates a submarine. From what I understand there are many that operate out of Cairns. (We were considering Australia and I looked into options for my children as neither is old enough to Scuba.)
BTW, you can get a dive mask that has a corrective lens. I should also point out that when underwater, objects appear 1/3rd larger and 1/4 closer. I SCUBA dive and I'm also nearsighted. I've never had a problem diving without my contacts in or feeling as though I had blurred vision.
Don't let your nearsightedness keep you from snorkeling! I, too, am quite nearsighted and don't wear contact lenses, yet I've done lots of snorkeling. As Ryan says, regular snorkel/dive masks magnify underwater. That's what I use and I've never felt that my vision was blurred or that I was missing anything. If you prefer, use a mask with a prescription lens. I think most snorkel/dive boats have these, but check before you book. I know that my favorite snorkel boat, Wavelength, offers them for free.
From the Wavelength website FAQs: "I wear glasses, do you have prescription masks?
Yes we do! They are available on board for free. If you wear contact lenses it is possible to wear contact lenses under your normal mask whilst snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef.We have a wide range of prescription masks from -2 to -8 on board the vessel."
Wow I didn't know they have the -8 one, because that is the one I would need. Thanks!