Dunk Island

Today was a day out of the water, but still on the water. Saltwater crocodiles are in these waters, so it was not a day for swimming. Dani took us on the glass bottom boat and talked to us about the mangrove forest as we motored through a channel of Hinchenbrook Island. The island is a national park and rainforest that is part of the Daintree.

The water was so smooth and mirror-like, you could almost forget it could be a deadly place. We actually didn’t seem any crocs, but we saw a beautiful sea eagle (yay for bringing the binoculars!), some egrets, and a grey heron. Saltwater crocodiles are the largest of the crocodiles (over 5.5 meters long)—and they can live to over 100 years. We also heard about a mud skipper fish that holds water in its gills and can walk across the mud.

Next, we sailed to Dunk Island to hike through the rainforest to the summit of Mount Kootaloo. A lookout point offers a view of the reef and its islands from above. Near the lookout are the ruins of a radar station built during World War II.

Finally, we were treated to drinks on the beach at sunset on tiny Purtaboi Island. Another great day!Read more