We woke up early for a reef tour which did turn up after the drama and confusion the day before.
The coach took us all the way to port Douglas where we hopped on a ferry to the quicksilver pontoon. A private platform in the middle of the ocean which is nice as only a limited number of people per day allowed so no overcrowding!
A lot of people were sea sick but by some miracle I wasn't - the travel sickness tablets from Thailand were obviously quite effective!
We hopped on the underwater submersible which was ok but pictures through the glass where near on impossible and it wasn't exactly a smooth ride. From there we had lunch and quick changed into our Lycra suits - very attractive and went for a snorkel. It was so lovely just swimming along taking in the surroundings and testing out the camera.
From there I left Mel as I had booked an additional snorkel tour with a marine biologist. This turned out to be the best part of the trip as after over a month of searching I finally got to swim with turtles!!!! It was so surreal and just utterly amazing! So glad I had the camera as I now have some amazing pictures which Facebook permitting I shall try and post!
Then it was time to come back. Managed to fall asleep on the boat after our cheese and biscuits and before I knew it we were back on land. Bus back and dropped off the camera and then back to the hostel for dinner.
Bags are now completely packed as we leave Cairns in the morning and head to Mission Beach!