The Beauty of Whitsunday Islands - an alternative to Cairns

Stunning. I've seen things that I've never seen before while snorkeling... things that only exist on the Discovery Channel and in my imagination. Things that you only hear about, I've seen. It's real. It exists in the Whitsundays.

Coral reef so bright, colorful, florescent in different shapes and sizes surrounded by fish, rays, and turtles can only amaze any human on earth.

Unfortunately, our GoPro failed us on this leg of the trip and the surreal existence of the underwater world that I saw can only be replayed in my mind. I cannot share the magnificent sites of the Great Barrier Reef.

I'm so glad we made this detour as an alternative for Cairns, where most people go to see the reef. I'm certain it was less populated here with more opportunity to see the reefs, the sea animals, and the opportunity to have fun in the water. And the people we met aboard Powerplay only added to the already wonderful experience. 

Since I don't have photos to share below sea-level, here are some sights under the sun.

Aboard the catamaran Powerplay cruising around the Whitsundays. 

The men of Powerplay are ready to play in the sand.

Whitehaven Beach where during low tide the sand and water swirl. Recent rains have mixed with the typically turquoise color water. 

Down on the beach taking in the beautiful warm water.

The sun is setting...

After sunset in Caves Cove provides for a spectacular natural light show

Even the shortest of sprinkles creates double rainbows. Beauty within beauty around beauty amongst beauty.