The Whitsunday Islands

Today was nothing short of awesome!

We took the Catamaran "Voyager" on a 3-Island cruise from the marina at Airley Beach. After picking up a few extra passengers at Daydream Island our first stop was Hook Island where we spent 2 hours snorkeling on the fringe reef. I haven't been snorkeling for 25 years, and this was the first time for Libby. We both throroughly enjoyed the experience. The number and colours of fish about was incredible, particularly when one of the cat's crew took a boat out over the reef and started to feed the fish. They were frigging everywhere!!!! I also saw three "very bloody big" fish on the bottom of a deeper section, but with the stinger suit and no weight belt I couldn't dive down deep enough to really check them out. At first I thought they were (the grandfathers of all) Snapper by the bump on their heads, but I think they were actually wrasse.

After the snorkeling we went back the pier where they were also feeding fish - mainly parrot fish but quite a few other varieties including a GT (Giant Trevally) and a monster Wrasse. You could also descend some steps to take you to the sea floor (about 6m below the surface at the pier).

Back on the boat we had a great smorgasbord lunch while on our way to the next stop: Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. This was another almost 2 hr stop to "just swim" and while not as memorable as the snorkeling it was a great time and an absolutely beautiful location that looks just like it does in all of those "they must have photoshopped that" pictures you have seen. In reality is is just as pristine and beautiful as an postcard, only more so. Back on the boat we had some fruit and other nibblies for afternoon tea, and after dropping a few passengers at Long Island we headed back to Daydream for some shopping, a few cocktails and a swim or three in the resort's pool (with the cocktails on the first swim).

When we finally returned to the Marina we were totally exhausted but were glowing from the incredible experience that the day had provided. If you are ever up this way and don't spend the $130 for the tour (or one very much like it) then you have rocks in your head!!We topped off the day with a bistro meal (and a few drinks) rather than cooking.

Tomorrow morning we'll pack up and head to Townsville...