Coral Bay

Our first day in beach paradise. Up for a hearty breakfast as we hoped to go sailing on a catamaran to the outer Ningaloo reef. When we booked yesterday we only made it up to five and a minimum of six are required. Fortunately, others had booked so we were able to go. We went on to a bus around to the jetty to board the Coral Breeze for the half day excursion. As the wind was blowing well the captain was very happy as he could sail today instead of motoring everywhere.
Once we had sailed out to the edge of the reef it was on with the goggles and flippers and into the crystal clear water. Cheryl, the crew member and guide, led us all to a place where we could see and float while watching Greenback turtles below. There were several together and one or two on their own. It was a magical experience seeing such huge turtles swimming so gracefully among the coral. In addition there were numerous types of fish and some in our group saw a reef shark, may have been good to see it as not dangerous but OK not to. After about forty five minutes in the water, a lot of the time swimming against the current, it was time for the onboard sausage sizzle, which after all this exertion was very satisfying.
We then sailed along the fascinating coastline to another area for more snorkelling. Here the pull of the tide was stronger but it was still possible to get in and see more fish up close and personal. In particular a group of large snappers (nice grilled with a little butter) which came within touching distance looking at you. Around them were other smaller blue fish and even smaller black and white striped ones.
On the way back a boom net was hooked on the back of the boat as it sped along so you could literary be dragged along behind the boat. Me (Paul) had to have ago so was first on. It felt like being in a very powerful jacuzzi but here, if you let go, you'd be left behind for sometime until they could come back and get you. Great fun. Others just watched and lazed on the deck watching the blue ocean with a backdrop of white waves breaking on the outer reef.
Once back ashore it was back to the camper van for more refreshments then over the road to the beach for the rest of the day, swimming amongst the rays and tiny little fish in the warm shallow water: quite perfect.
After dinner we walked off to the local (and only) hotel to buy some time on their wifi. We managed to get emails down loaded and will be back tomorrow to update this blog as we have not been able to do so for a number of days. Time to sleep in Paradise.