The Great Blue from Heron

I'm not a big fan of gear. I think most gear gets in the way when you're trying to immerse yourself in nature so I tend to gravitate toward activities where gear is minimal, but essential. The best example, and my favorite, is snorkeling -- a surf shirt, bikini bottoms, a mask & a snorkel. Simple tools that open a whole new world to you.

I've been fortunate enough to hit some good snorkel spots over the years (the Caribbean, Florida and a few Hawaiian islands -- all fantastic even under the threats reefs face.) But I dream of the big kahuna -- The Great Barrier Reef. There are many places to choose from as the reef is, well...Great. But I've always had my eye on Heron Island.

Located 50 miles off the Eastern coast of Australia, Heron Island is a true coral cay so Heron's beauty lies in that you can walk off the beach at any point and be amongst your sea friends. The resort on the island seems serviceable, and to be honest, who really cares how nice it is? It's all about the fish...and the turtles...and the rays...and the sharks. Give me a hammock and a beach towel (and my minimal snorkel gear) and I can't imagine being happier.

Except for the bonus...you can get to and from the island by helicopter. OK...I'm happier.