Whitsundays!!! We'd really been looking forward to this part of Australia and it really didn't disappoint. It was defiantly one of the highlights of our whole trip!! Absolutely amazing scenery, great weather and food to go with staying on a sailing boat with 25 other people.
Dan, Matt and me started off by meeting the three crew member and straight away got involved with putting up the sails (you need a lot more muscle than you think). The deckhand Amy, didn't stop the whole trip, jumping from sail to sail.
The first day we went off sailing into the Whitsundays islands, admiring the views and cracking open the beers. We started with a bush walk and ended up at the best view.. Whitehaven beach! Incredible!! We had a half the day to explore. You can't swim without wearing a very sexy Lycra, stinger-suit in these waters. Well you can, but there are box jelly fish and another Japanese type that are as small as your finger nail.
The three of us and a guy called Jamie decided to swim over the clearest water towards another little island. Swimming next to sting rays was cool but a little scary. But as long as you don't provoke them, you're safe. Phew!! I had one very near me whilst Matt was telling me "Stay still and I'll get a picture" :o I didn't fancy a stingray selfie so swiftly got onto the land!
That night we laid out on deck and watched a lovely sunset and started a few snorkel drinking games.
The second day of the trip we went to a spot called Tongue Bay to snorkel. We sped off in a little boat and jumped into the water. The crew threw in some food for the fish and thousands came swimming next to us, it was great to see so many amazing things under the water on the start of the Great Barrier Reef.
We went back to Airlee beach the night after some more beers and goon. It was one of the last days before Dan went home and we'd had a wicked time together.
Things i'd never done before Whitsundays :):
•Swam with Stingrays
•Brushed my teeth with fine sand-it works!
•Sailed a ship ⛵️

Sarah xxx