The QuickSmart - run by QuickSilver tours departed from Port Douglas - about 1:40 north of Cairns.  The drive north was spectacular - very much like the Northern California coast - only the inland side of the road was lined with rain forest rather than redwoods.
 
 

The QuickSmart is a modern catamaran, seats 80, with tables and a buffet/bar.  Morning tea was waiting for us as we boarded.

The first dive spot was about an hour out of port - with land far behind us, I was very proud of Dawnise for maintaining her composure and excitement about the experience that lie ahead.

There was a briefing for the snorklers, which consisted of the shark warning "you may see a reef shark - don't panic - take a picture, they're reclusive and you don't see them often.  They also don't bother people, so no need to scream 'shark.'"  I was pumped - I wanted to see a reef shark.

After the briefing, Dawnise asked for a skin suit, and I followed her example.  We were two of the few who weren't sunburned by the time the day was over.  As we learned on arrival, Cairns has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the world.

After some initial hesitation (the bottom was way down there) I left the floaty toy behind and started floating in the best tropical aquarium on the planet.
 
 

It was like a National Geographic special - only much closer.  Bought a disposable underwater camera with (only) 27 exposures, Dawnise and I split them.  Next time I'll bring two.

We saw a pufferfish that must have been .5m long and 7-8kg.  It wasn't puffed - but it was still striking.

Dawnise got stung by something on her chin (the only bit of skin exposed, thanks to the skin suit, mask and snorkel) - not a big deal, didn't bother her much, but it'll make a good story.

Giant clams.  Easily 2m in length - my brain refused to believe they were real, until I saw one close.  Utterly amazing.  Before we go back (and we are going back) I want to be SCUBA certified.

Snorkled so long we nearly missed lunch - which turned out to be quite good.  They untied and went to the second dive spot for the day.

We repeated the experience of the morning - but with a much stronger current, by the time we got back on the boat to head back to port I was dragging.  Had afternoon tea on the way back to port.  No reef sharks seen.

Nearly fell asleep on the bus back to the hotel - would have if not for some kid and his annoying electronic toy.  Thought more than once about ripping it away from him and chucking it out the window.

Hit the showers immediately and got dressed for dinner.  Slept well.
 
 

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