Whitsunday Island 3 Day Adventure sailing on The Apollo!!!

After a 12 hour bus journey from Cairns to Airlie Beach, which really didn't feel long at all because of the way the Australia Greyhound services run so well. We arrived in Airlie Beach around 7pm to sound of calling cockatoos, dead heat and the sound of the waves hitting the beach close by. We walked the short distance to our hostel 'Backpackers Waterfront' which overlooked the beach and checked in to our new room which was the nicest room we stayed in the whole trip. It was a long loft room with 17 beds, and usually it was only 4 or 6 beds in a hostel, but the lay out of the room made it feel really spacious and private compared to the smaller rooms we stayed in were everyone is right in your face. We got settled and went for a wander around the town, listened to some live music, ate some callimari and bought some goon. You gotta love this town, very friendly with lots to do, but homely too. Of course our wander wouldn't have been complete without a trip to the Irish bar Paddy Shananigans were would you know, we met loads of Irish people.................................(See More)........................................

An early rise the next morning was necessary to check out, store our luggage and head to the marina to meet 30 strangers who we would share a boat with for the next three days. The Apollo used to sail in competitions and unlike most of the boats there which were more party boats we would get to experience sailing the Apollo. We got our bunks, sunbathed on deck and were handed lunch as we watched the turquoise water, the green islands and dolphins jump in the distance. Pure bliss!!! 

After an hour or so we arrived at Blue Pearl Bay were we anchored, grabbed wetsuits, snorkels and got the diggy to the beach were we all snorkeled in the clear water, spotting colourful fish, and reef. Then we got to a crash course on diving, breathing with a tank and hand signals and then it was time to dive. I was so nervous, and the pressure in my ears hurt like hell, but the experience is truly amazing and a once in a lifetime chance to see nature at its best. After a dry out in the hot sun, it was time for a snack back on the boat, a clean up and a breathtaking sail to a near by bay to anchor for the night. While we watch the sun set, dinner is served. HEAVEN!!!
_R_xxx