by Mat Churchill

Magnetic Island sea life were seeing snorkels of a different kind as 23 nude snorkellers took to the warm waters to help celebrate World Oceans Day on 8 June, and raise awareness of the threat climate change has on the Great Barrier Reef.

Although organisers had expected closer to 100 people to take part (a further ten bared up for a swim but not snorkel), and a problem with registration caused the event not to be recognised by the official Guinness World Record organisation, around 250 fully dressed well wishers cheered them on regardless.

"No they weren't there for a perv, but to show their support for the environment," General Manager of Base Backpackers, and organiser of the event, Ben Schultz said.

He said English, Irish, Spanish and Kiwi backpackers were among those who had disrobed for the reef, along with a couple who had travelled over 400km for the event.

In addition to the snorkelling world record attempt, Magnetic Island hosted children's activities, and Ash Grunwald performed for an enthusiastic crowd.

Editors Comments : This should definitely be an annual event here in Port Douglas, I'm just trying to think how we could feature the social photos taken on the day!