We needed a holiday from our holiday!

Since I first met Joe during our nautical years, I have been itching to sail through the Whitsunday Islands off the mid-QLD coast.  In June when we spent a few days in Airlie Beach (the gateway to these islands – post 4) that longing became more dire.  So when we considered the route for our journey south, we booked a catamaran sail for 4 days/3 nights on the yacht Whitsunday Getaways.  We joined three couples (two 20-somethings and one our age, how perfect is that?) with a skipper and “host” for a sublime cruise under perfect sailing conditions.  We loved it! Everyone was simpatico and relaxed and it was just beautiful to not have to plan anything or worry about whether we were anchored in the right spot. It didn’t hurt that what we saw was too pretty for words. So let me add a few images to help.

We snorkeled at Dumbell Island and on the north side of Hook Island and we were more impressed with the health of the reef here than up near Port Douglas. The color was much more vivid and the water warm and clear. We saw plenty of wrasse and parrotfish and “nemo”. But the biggest thrill came from a 10 minute swim with a graceful loggerhead turtle. We had sightings of a dugong (much like a manatee) and dolphins.

On board meals were ably prepared by our host and presentation was thoughtful. Everything was enjoyable. It was a trip I would recommend to anyone. One of the guests was concerned about her usual seasickness but she had no problems whatsoever.