Airlie Beach - Ocean Rafting...FANTASTIC!!

Only one word can describe today's experience...AMAZING!!!  The day started at 8:45 am when the shuttle driver came to pick us up at the resort for a day of Ocean Rafting and snorkelling.  We checked in, picked up our beautiful spandex looking "Stinger Suits" to protect us from the deadly jelly fish in the waters.  Can you imagine me in full length spandex??  It was a site to behold!  The ride is wild and not designed for the faint hearted.  If you susceptible to sea sickness, have a weak heart, bad back or neck problems, this may be an adventure to take a pass on!  We had a blast.  There are 75 islands off the coast of Airlie Beach, only 3 are inhabited, the rest are national parks.  They are absolutely stunning, with pure white sand beaches and amazing snorkelling.  Hamilton Island is noted for being one of the most exclusive and expensive islands in the region.  We stopped to pickup a family at Daydream Island which is owned by a wealthy Australian Tycoon.  It too looked like a playground for the rich & famous.  Our first destination stop was White Haven Beach where we hiked to the summit for a panoramic view of the ocean & bay from three directions.  The white silica sand beaches and emerald blue waters made it a postcard picture!  We walked the beaches for 45 minutes and then had a lovely lunch buffet on the beach before heading to our first snorkel stop at Cook Island.  The water was crystal clear with exotic colored fish everywhere.  From Cook Island we cruised to another gorgeous stretch of beach and snorkelling that was exclusive to our tour boat.  We then enjoyed some cocktails on the boat (BYOB) and slowly made our way back to Airlie Beach.  This had to be the highlight of our trip so far!