The Rebirth of the Great Barrier Reef in 2025: A Life OVER Seas Adventure

Christianne, Dan, and Livi in a submersible at The Great Barrier Reef. Image by author.

The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just a destination or a bucket list moment as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. It is its own universe- a 1,400-mile-long special ecosystem of vibrant coral, stunningly clear waters, and marine life beyond imagination. We had no idea what to expect. Would it be bleached beyond recognition? Would it be so vast that we wouldn’t know where to begin exploring? As part of our Life OVER Seas adventure, this was a journey we had long anticipated, but nothing could have truly prepared us for its beauty.

Coral and fish at The Great Barrier Reef. Image by author.

You may have heard about the challenges the reef has faced. Last year, 80% of the reef suffered bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures and flood waters affecting the salinity of the Coral Sea. When corals are under prolonged stress, they expel the algae that give them their brilliant hues and vital nutrients, leaving behind pale, ghostly skeletons. But here’s the good news: nature is resilient. During our visit to Heart Reef, a breathtaking formation in the Whitsundays, I had the opportunity to speak with a marine biologist who shared an uplifting insight- when given time to recover, the reef has the remarkable ability to heal and regenerate.  She told me they’re keeping an eye on ocean temperatures, but for now, the reef is in “great shape”. 

For nearly three days, we immersed ourselves in the reef’s wonders- sailing its turquoise waters, diving below the surface, and drifting through coral gardens while snorkeling. We watched neon parrotfish glide by, huge wrasse, including the famous Wally, the Maori Wrasse who allowed me to come close enough to get some of the great video we shared on Instagram (@food.family.travel).  To see the reef from different perspectives, we took a submersible ride, getting an up-close look at the intricate coral structures teeming with marine creatures. A glass-bottom boat tour offered yet another stunning view. We saw several gorgeous sea turtles, clownfish dart among anemones, and a reef shark cruise past (thankfully, while we were on the glass bottom boat). 

The reef is also a testament to the positive impact humans can have on their environment. In recent years, efforts to restore damaged areas have been aided by structures known as Marrs Stars- or the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System. These metal bars and cages serve as a framework where small pieces of living coral are placed to grow. Within just a few years, the coral expands, filling in gaps and covering the metal structures with new life. It’s incredible to witness renewal in real-time. There are only a few spots where you still see small glimpses of metal peeking through- the rest of the area is thriving, creating new homes for fish and marine wildlife.

The Great Barrier Reef is not just surviving- for now, it’s on the path to renewal. The fight to protect it is far from over, but in every splash of color, the vibrant blues, red, and purple, and in every resilient creature, there is hope. This experience reinforced the importance of conservation and left us with a deep appreciation for the power of nature’s recovery. Our Life OVER Seas adventure has taken us to many extraordinary places, but the Great Barrier Reef was one of my favorite adventures- a place that gives us hope for the future.