12 - Whitsunday Islands and Beaches, RIB ride

 Pure-white sands and turquoise waters all year round.  The third top photographed area in all of Australia is Whitehaven beach.  That's why we selected the RIB excursion to Whitehaven.  It did not disappoint.  So we skipped visiting the town and instead boarded 1st the tender to get to the docks, and 2nd a RIB (ridgid inflatable boat) with 23 other guests, a pilot and our guide.  This excursion was rated difficult for two things a rough bouncy RIB ride and the hike to the top rated lookouts. Let's just go for it - here ia a lookout photo.

Here is one of the RIBs.

Welcome sign at Whitsunday dock.  It really is nice to see a sign and feel like they want us.  Although this area is very much a tourist/ water sport location, with jet skis to sail boats, in addition to RIBs.

                Safety briefing first, sign waiver second.  Every person had to sign, we had to redo ours.  They were serious about their legal paperwork.  RIB headed out of the dock at a nice (slow speed) then once clear of docked boats, he opened up the throttle - full speed ahead. Oh dear what did we signup for?  Not a tame boat ride to the beach apparently. The engine was loud.  On top of the engine noise they played loud music - it was hard to tell what was playing.

                               700 hp between the two boat motors! Sounds like a lot to me. That's what 2 or 3 cars?

                        After a 15 minute climb we found 3 lookout platforms.

Back in the RIB for a 10 minute ride to whitehaven beach for an hour of beach time and lunch.  Lunch was more of a heavy snack, but by then we were hungry.  The seagulls flew over head and expected handouts - they were a little aggressive.  We didn't feed them.  They kept trying.

I donned another jellyfish suit to swim in these beautiful waters.  I couldn't resist.  The dangerous jellyfish are the size of a marble and clear.  There is zero chance you'd see one coming.

Fish swam up to the beach, especially when the captain tossed out some fish food!.  A lizard was spotted at the edge of the beach, in the tree line. Phil took these shots.

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The RIB ride back to the dock was a little bumpier as we went the shorter route.  It took less than an hour.  Really.  We spent over 2.5 hours in the RIB ride.  Captain said they use 230 - 300 liters of gas for every trip.  I was ready for a shower, some quiet and a good snack.  After showering, we headed to tea time.

Last night's show was "The 70's Show" by the Viking vocalists and band.  We thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was the first show that we never closed our eyes, or nodded our heads.  Maybe jet lag is finally behind us.

Tomorrow is a day at sea, on the way to Brisbane, 573 nautical mile sail. Tonight the cruise director is performing - some of it will be Michael Buble music.  I can hardly wait!