This post features student writing.
We boarded our yacht at Airlie Beach, Australia on July 15th. Little did we know that the best time of our lives was yet to come. We were all suprised by how spacious our sleeping area was. There were two bathrooms, a kitchen, and many bunk beds. After we were given our speech on boat safety, we were given the opportunity to help the crew begin sailing. I was given the job to help pull up the head sail. After this, we were well on our way to Hook Island. We all sat on deck watching the beautiful Great Barrier Reef pass underneath us until we reached our first snorkeling destination. There were so many amazing fish and an abundance of beautiful coral reef. Our first snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef was a huge success. Leo S. had his GoPro attached to his snorkel, so we were able to take many photographs. While we were snorkeling, Danny, one of the crew members, was making us lunch. We ate hamburgers and pasta salad, which was delicious. We set sail again until nightfall, where we were able to see the beautiful southern hemisphere night sky, and observe the Southern Cross.
The next morning, we woke up at 7:30 AM. For breakfast, we chose between nutella sandwiches, fruit, and cereal. It was time for us to head to South Whitehaven Beach. This is a particularly special beach due to its silicon sand. We played a lively game of soccer and went for a swim in the ocean. The crew brought us nachos from the boat. After our time at the beach, we went for a hike up to Whitsunday Peak. This is the highest point in all of the Whitsunday Islands. It was a beautiful hike, and from the top you could see the blue ocean for miles. Whitsunday Island is the size of Barbados and has a population of zero.
The next morning we woke up at North Haven Beach. There were hundreds of soldier crabs all marching around the beach. Others saw sting rays and lemon sharks in the ocean while I was reading my book on the beach. We ate some delicious fresh fruit that was brought over from the boat. Our crew member, Joey, brought us on a short 20 minute hike to a lookout point. We took many pictures and could see the whole island, which was breathtaking. After boarding back on our boat, we were given another opportunity to snorkel. We saw many amazing rainbow fish, including a 4-foot long fish that we named George. Maria L., Annabelle B., and I were given an opportunity to do flips off the side of the boat! We had a lot of fun jumping off the boat with our group. As we began sailing again, we saw the most beautiful whale breach four times! It was so beautiful that some people cried.
The next day, we woke up at 8 am. Sadly, it would be our last day on the boat. We went for two snorkels that day. We saw even more amazing coral and fish during both snorkels. Leo S. even captured a photograph of a shark. We then enjoyed our last few hours aboard the boat by listening to music and reading. Eventually, the time came to pack up our bags and leave our boat. Everyone was very excited to finally be able to take a hot shower.
Once everyone was freshened up, we took a thirty minute walk from our hotel to the town of Airlie Beach. We were given two hours of free time before we would meet at an Italian restaurant for dinner. My friends and I spent time at “Maccas” and a playground. For dinner I had a delicious fettuccine primavera pasta, and then we took a taxi back to our hotel. There was a birthday celebration for Maria L., as she had her 15th birthday aboard the boat. We then packed up our bags in order to catch our flight the next day to Sydney.
These past four days has truly been the most amazing time of my life. The Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef are the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I will never forget the beauty of the southern hemisphere stars and the amazing people I got to share my time with.
-Written by Anna D.
