Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands
And so to Airlie Beach, the launching point for a 3 day sailing trip round the Whitsunday Islands. Sailing on a 70 foot ketch called Summertime, a group of backpackers and our three man crew spent a good three days and two nights sailing, diving, kayaking and drinking. The boat had a hot tub too, which was nice!
Aboard the good ship Summertime and leaving Airlie Beach. Getting the sea legs going, some afternoon diving and a few beers to end the day. It had been a few years since I last went diving. It’s much like riding a bike though, you never forget how to do it!
The Whitsunday Islands refer to the collection of islands off the coast of Queensland (in the Coral Sea), of which Whitsunday Island itself is the largest. Sizes, shapes and names vary and for the average tourist like me you really have little idea about which island is which. It’s a good time when on board one of the sailing trips to just enjoy the views and the sheer bloody pleasure of the Whitsunday Islands and the diving around the Great Barrier Reef.
The feeling of being back underwater after so long was intense and more enjoyable than I’d remembered. Apart from meeting Elvis, which is a slightly scary proposition. When something that big approaches the natural reaction is to back off. Not that Elvis is in any way dangerous. Should also be pointed out that Elvis is a Maori Wrasse, a 1m long friendly fish who comes along to say hello to divers. The largest one in the area is the male and wrasse are able to change gender from female to male.
The Three Day Sailing and Diving cruise was with Aussie Adventure Sailing on board Summertime.
