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In Greek Mythology the Myrmidons were Achilles' fierce and loyal warriors. Perhaps it is the enduring and ancient nature of this reef that led to its name.

The reef itself is a Marine Park Green Zone so the area is protected from fishing, this means that there are plenty of large fish to dive with. The Green Zone however can't protect the area from rough weather, over the past 10 years this reef has been particularly affected by cyclone activity meaning reef structures are quite patchy in places.

Lizard Island is a special place which is recognised as a National Park. The name was given by famous explorer Captain James Cook when he passed by in 1770. At the time Cook came ashore and climbed to the tallest peak on the island (since named "Cook's Look") so that he could locate a safe path for his boat through the maze of fringing reefs in the area. Cook noticed that the only land animals that he saw were lizards and so the island was named.

Lady Elliot Island is located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and at this time of year something quite special can happen in this region. An ocean current called the "Capricorn Eddy" causes cool nutrient-rich currents to upwell and mix with the surface waters that fringe the island's reefs. These fertile water columns are filled with microscopic organisms called plankton which are a critical food source for large aquatic organisms like fish, whales and manta rays.

The whole of the One Tree Reef and the surrounding waters (500m from the edge of the reef) is a Scientific Research Zone. It has been established to provide a unique opportunity for long-term field studies at a site that is free of any other human disturbances.