The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 tropical islands at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef are surrounded by the tranquil, temperate waters of Australia's Coral Sea – which are perfect for sailing or exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral fringe reefs. The islands range in style from down-to-earth and the laid-back Hook Island, to luxurious resort destinations such as Hayman and Hamilton. Exquisite beaches are dotted throughout the Whitsundays, but without a doubt, the most spectacular is Whitehaven Beach, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific, it features snow-white sand and translucent aquamarine waters.