The Great Barrier Reef of Australia goes all the way down to the Whitsundays near Cairns. Many tour operators organise trips to the reef or some beautiful beaches. This was wet fun I couldn't possibly miss.

First stop was the incredibly beautiful Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the islands in the group. The squeaky white silicon sand blends into the ludicrously pure blue waters, making it a stunning view with the blue sky and green trees. It is perhaps the most stunning beach in the world.

Stinger Season

It was the 'Stinger Season' when the beautiful aqua sea is full of rather dangerous jellyfish, like Portuguese Man-of-War and tiny, but deadly box-jellyfish called Irukandji. These lovely forms of wildlife are moving south from October to May.

A warning has been issued by the Surf Lifesavers about swimming outside of netted areas because of the jellyfish. Basically the warning is "If you swim away from netted areas you can expect to die". We had to wear full stinger suits whenever we went into the water, even in a netted area.

Blue Man Group Goes Swimming

The trip organisers were strongly encouraged us to wear their "stinger suits" that would keep us safe from "stingers" and sunburn. This was all new to me. I usually snorkel in T-shirt and jeans, so I wondered what difference it will make. They told me that if small jellyfish would swim between my clothes and my skin then there would be real trouble.

The outfit had a hood and mitten-type things for the hands, so I was pretty much blue top to bottom. Its dense weave meant I didn't need to wear anything underneath, just this comfy swimsuit.

We went for an early morning snorkel swim which was an exciting new experience. It was bally hot, even at eight in the morning, and I was glad to get wet. This stinger suit felt great as I entered the water and floated around with all the freedom of movement.

After the first snorkeling session we had breakfast on the boat that brought us to this beach. Like many others I kept the wet stinger suit on because it felt so comfy and kept me pleasantly cool while it dried in time for the next swim.

To reach the beach we had to get back into the water, wearing the stinger suits. It looked so comical to watch this incredible beach populated by people in tight fitting blue suits. Think of Blue Man Group goes swimming!

Amazing Tropical Fish

Feeling a new sense of excitement, I got my underwater camera out and went back into the warm, clear water where I spent the next two hours swimming among the breathtaking coral. The tropical fish were very inquisitive. They came really close and kept following me around.

I had a really enjoyable time! The stinger suit was one of most comfortable swimming clothes I've ever worn. It is a lot lighter than the jeans, T-shirt and hoodie I normally wear for snorkeling, but not as warm. This stinger suit is great fun to wear, either dry or in the water, and I definitely want some more of these suits.

Timo