One of the disappointments of the Whitsundays is the absence of many real coral reefs to explore. Blue Pearl Bay however has to be one of the best bays we have been to. Hayman Island is to the North of the Whitsundays and is therefore warm enough for extensive coral to develop. To the south the coral is more intermittent. In addition the water clarity in the bays is often poor because of the tidal currents. However, for sheer variety of fish and coral it was very difficult to beat Blue Pearl Bay. The water was clear and wherever you swim there are spectacular drop offs. The fish were magnificent in their variety and also their size. Reef fish which elsewhere are small here are three times the size and in spectacular groups.