About half way through the trip was another major stop at the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. It is a collection of 74 islands located in the great barrier reef and we were lucky enough to be able to take a speed boat out to snorkel in the reef and hang out at Whitehaven beach which is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Whitehaven is known for its sand which is made out of 98% pure silica which gives it the white color. It is so fine that when you walk it makes a squeaking noise. Our guide told us that if we had any silver jewelry to wash it with the sand because it will get it cleaner than any jeweler ever could. I washed my clauda ring and although it is not made of real silver, it still looked pretty shiny afterwards! Snorkeling was amazing and the reef was even more colorful at this location. It was just a month away from jelly fish season so we were strongly urged to wear lycra wet suits which although not very stylish, could potentially save a diver's life. We all made it out alive :) and we even saw a Gila Monster on the beach! We were given lunch and simply laid on the beach for a few hours. Hopefully the pictures do it justice! Please forgive my bloodshot eyes..the salt water was apparently extra salty that day. Also the ship is a navy ship which we honked at and waved to on the boat!