We woke early, breakfasted and made our way to the boardwalk cafe at cape tribulation for an 8am start. Oliver was adamant that he wasn't going to snorkel but was fitted for a stinger suit anyway.
Twenty four of us walked down to Myall beach where we boarded a bright yellow inflatable Rib that took us out to the Mackay reef in under 30 mins.
The sea was unusually flat and calm; perfect for snorkelling.
On our first snorkel we had an opportunity to freely explore a horseshoe shaped reef. We swam with green turtles, parrot fish, surgeon fish,star fish, garfish, stingrays, giant clams, angel fish, anemone fish and a large variety of coral including brain coral, stag horn etc.
Oliver could not be persuaded to snorkel and remained on the boat despite attempts of coercion from Pete the skipper, Bryn our guide or Tom the photographer. He did however jump in for a quick swim to see an angel fish that was playing around the base of the ladder.
Our first snorkel was for an hour and then we were privileged to do a drift snorkel along the northern wall of the reef.
Apparently it is very unusual for a drift snorkel along the wall to be available as the waves typically break over the edge of the Reef.
Bryn led the snorkel . This time we were able to get Oliver into the water and he floated along behind Bryn on a life ring and enjoyed all of the wonderful fish along the wall. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the reef wall and all the fish that hung on the edge of the reef and to see how deep the reef went.
Highlight for me was the family of over 20 anemone fish and the parrot fish waiting for their turn at the cleaning station.
For Tom it was seeing a harlequin sweet lips and for David it was swimming in shoals of small mackerel. For Oliver the monkey fish and for Sam swimming with the turtles.
It was amazing how many British and Dutch were on the boat; I think we were the only Australians.
Home for a shower and lunch; and a bit of a snooze for me :) and then we drove back to Mason's water hole where we whiled away a few hours floating in cool and clear tranquility shaded by Palms and vines and our feet were nibbled by small catfish. Sam used the rope swing and did drop bombs into the water; there was a lot of heavy petting witnessed!
Dinner was at home and Sam cooked steaks and Tom and I made a selection of salads; potato, tomato and boconcini , egg salad and mango.
We then watched Music and Lyrics with Hugh Grant before early bed
A glorious and relaxing day !!!