Thundercat, Airlie Beach: Whitsundays snorkelling tour price & info

The Thundercat Airlie Beach high speed catamaran tour gets to Whitehaven Beach quicker than most Whitsundays cruises, and leaves more time for the Hill Inlet walk and snorkelling. The Thundercat Whitsundays snorkelling tour costs $199.

The Thundercat, Airlie Beach, is a Whitsundays cruise for those who don’t care all that much about the ‘cruise’ part of the equation.

To skip the explanation and just book the tour, step this way…

Run by Red Cat Adventures, the Thundercat is by no means the most comfortable day trip boat operating out of Airlie Beach. But what it lacks in frills in made up for in speed. The Thundercat is one of the fastest catamarans in the Whitsundays.

Thundercat, Airlie Beach: The fast boat to Whitehaven Beach

This means it gets to the Whitsundays highlights – Whitehaven Beach and the top snorkelling spots – much quicker.

The Thundercat Whitsundays tour packs an awful lot in. There’s two hours to explore and play on Whitehaven Beach. You can also take in the views from the neighbouring Hill Inlet Lookout as part of a guided walk.

Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?

For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.

Thundercat Whitsundays cruise: Snorkelling sessions

As for snorkelling, all equipment and lycra stinger suits is included within the Airlie Beach Thundercat tour price. Two different snorkelling spots at the north and south ends of the Whitsunday Islands are picked out.

It’s an extended day as well, the Thundercat Airlie Beach cruise leaves the Coral Sea Marina at 09.00 and returns at 17.00.

Get the best Whitsundays cruise deals

How much does the Thundercat Airlie Beach cost?

The Thundercat Airlie Beach high speed catamaran tour costs $199. To reserve your spot with instant confirmation, pay later, get a mobile-friendly ticket and have the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours before departure, book your tour here.

A buffet lunch, also included in the price, is served on-board. To keep the cost down, there’s a bring-your-own alcohol policy. Drinks can be stored in the on-board ice boxes.

Other things to do in Airlie Beach include glass bottom boat cruises, swimming in the Airlie Beach Lagoon and Whitsundays kayaking tours. There are also sunset cruises, helicopter rides and crocodile cruises on the Proserpine River.

If you’re pushed for time, there are also half day Whitehaven Beach tours. You can also take a day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island aboard the Hamilton Island ferry.

There is no Whitehaven Beach ferry service.

Airlie Beach accommodation picks

Specialist Australian booking site Wotif offers Airlie Beach accommodation for from $114 a night. You can look through the best deals here.

However, some Airlie Beach accommodation options are worth highlighting:

On a budget: Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach.
For families: Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort.
For waterfront apartments: At Marina Shores.
For pampering: Coral Sea Marina Resort.
For great value: Colonial Palms Motor Inn.

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.