Pricing And Reviews
Not all booking sites show the same deals. Below, you can compare prices, check availability, and read reviews across the most popular and trusted tour booking platforms in Australia.
High-speed catamaran adventure to Whitehaven Beach with Hill Inlet access and two snorkelling sites
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Red Cat Adventures
Duration:
Full Day (8 hours)
Departure Point:
Coral Sea Marina North Village
Phone:
07 4946 4444
Departure Time:
9:00 AM daily
Group Size:
Maximum 38 passengers
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Coral Sea Marina
Islands Visited
Whitsunday Island, Hook Island
Beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Snorkelling Sites
Manta Ray Bay, Butterfly Bay
Lookouts
Hill Inlet Lookout
Marine Park
Whitsunday Islands Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Coral Sea Marina North Village (check-in 8:30 AM)
From Town Centre
1.5km from Airlie Beach Lagoon (15-20 min walk)
Hotel Pickup
Free courtesy bus from most accommodations
Parking
Pay and display parking available at marina
About Thundercat Whitsundays
Thundercat Whitsundays is a high-speed catamaran day tour operated by Red Cat Adventures, departing from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. The full-day tour visits Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on Whitsunday Island, with two snorkelling stops at protected sites around Hook Island in the Whitsunday Islands Marine Park.
The custom-built 55-foot catamaran is powered by twin 425hp engines, making it one of the fastest tour boats in the Whitsundays. This means less time travelling and more time at the destinations. The vessel was specifically designed for stability and comfort, with wave-piercing technology and individual bucket seats with back support. Perfect if you're worried about seasickness - the ride is smooth and fast.
Red Cat Adventures holds multiple Australian Tourism Awards including the 2024 Gold for Best Adventure Tourism Business in the Whitsundays, 2022 National Gold for Best Adventure Tourism Business in Australia, and is certified as a Climate Action Leader - the highest level of ECO accreditation in Australia. With a maximum of 38 passengers, you get a more personal experience than the packed 100-person tour boats.
What Guests Are Saying
"The crew were amazing, friendly, funny and informative. The boat ride was fast and fun with great music. Snorkelling at Manta Ray Bay seeing George the giant Maori wrasse was incredible - so many colourful fish everywhere. Whitehaven Beach is stunning and the hike to Hill Inlet Lookout for those swirling sand photos was worth every step. Highly recommend this tour if you want adventure mixed with spectacular scenery."
TripAdvisor
"Brilliant day with JJ and Mark on the Thundercat tour. From the pickup by the friendly bus driver to the final drop-off, everything was professional and fun. The snorkelling was amazing, we saw turtles and so many fish. The crew's knowledge about the reef and marine life was excellent. Food was fresh and plentiful. The fast boat meant we had maximum time at each location without feeling rushed."
TripAdvisor
"Our family of four including kids aged 7 and 10 had the best day. The staff were patient with the kids snorkelling and made sure everyone felt comfortable. The fast catamaran was smooth and stable - none of us got seasick. Whitehaven Beach is even more beautiful than the photos. Two hours there was perfect. The two snorkel spots showed us different things - one had tons of fish, the other had beautiful coral. Excellent value for money."
Google Reviews
Good to know: The bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout involves some steep sections and takes 10-15 minutes each way. You need reasonable mobility to access the lookout and Tongue Bay beach. The boat ride can be bouncy on choppy days - if you're prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand.
What's Included
Snorkel Gear
Mask and snorkel provided
Buffet Lunch
Fresh buffet served on beach
Hotel Transfers
Free pickup and drop-off
Stinger Suits
Lycra suits year-round
Guided Bush Walk
To Hill Inlet Lookout
Expert Guides
Eco-certified crew
Morning Tea
Homemade brownies and fruit
National Park Fees
All fees included
The Experience
Thundercat is all about speed and efficiency - getting you to the best spots in the Whitsundays quickly so you can spend maximum time actually enjoying them. The catamaran cruises at 35 knots, meaning you reach Whitehaven Beach in about 30 minutes compared to 2+ hours on slower boats. More beach time, less travel time.
Your Itinerary
Morning Pickup (8:20-8:30 AM): Free courtesy bus collects you from your accommodation in Airlie Beach. Check-in is at Coral Sea Marina North Village at 8:30 AM where you'll receive your stinger suit and safety briefing. The boat departs at 9:00 AM sharp.
The Fast Ride Out: Hold on as Thundercat powers across the Coral Sea. The custom-built catamaran is stable and smooth, but it moves fast. Music plays, the wind whips through your hair, and the crew keeps things entertaining. You'll reach Whitsunday Island in about 30 minutes.
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet (First Stop): The boat lands at Tongue Bay on the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. You'll have about 2 hours here to swim in the crystal-clear water and relax on the famous white silica sand that doesn't heat up even in summer. The crew leads a guided 10-15 minute bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout - the walk has some steep sections but the view of those swirling white sands against turquoise water is absolutely worth it. This is photo opportunity heaven.
Buffet Lunch: Fresh buffet-style lunch is served on board or on the beach. Sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, and the crew's famous homemade brownies. BYO alcohol is welcome if you want a cold beer or wine with lunch.
First Snorkel - Manta Ray Bay: Head to Manta Ray Bay on the northern tip of Hook Island. This is the fish spot - expect to see hundreds of colourful reef fish, and you'll almost certainly meet George, the resident giant Maori wrasse who weighs about 50kg and loves attention. Turtles are common here too. The crew provides full snorkelling instruction if you've never done it before. About 40 minutes in the water.
Second Snorkel - Butterfly Bay or Stonehaven Bay: The second snorkel spot depends on conditions but is typically Butterfly Bay or Stonehaven Bay around Hook Island. These sites are chosen for coral rather than fish - you'll see beautiful staghorn and plate corals in excellent condition. Small reef sharks sometimes cruise past but they're harmless. Another 40 minutes snorkelling time.
The Ride Home: Another fast blast back to Airlie Beach with music and good vibes. You'll arrive back at Coral Sea Marina around 5:00 PM, and the courtesy bus will drop you back at your accommodation.
Before You Book
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Tours operate in most weather conditions but may be cancelled in severe weather or strong wind warnings. The operator will contact you the day before to confirm if conditions look marginal. Tours run 365 days a year.
What to Bring
Swimwear (wear under clothes), towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera or GoPro. You can BYO alcohol and extra snacks if desired. The crew sells cold water and soft drinks on board for $2. They take photos throughout the day which you can purchase after the tour. Don't bring valuables - storage space on the boat is limited.
Who Can Come
Suitable for children aged 2+ and all ages welcome. The youngest passenger on record was 3 months old and the oldest 87. However, the tour requires reasonable mobility and fitness due to climbing in and out of the boat, the bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and general physical activity. Not recommended for pregnant women, people with severe back or neck problems, or those with very limited mobility. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand as the ride can be bouncy in choppy conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thundercat suitable for people who get seasick?
The catamaran is custom-designed with wave-piercing technology for stability, making it better than most boats for preventing seasickness.
Which snorkelling sites does Thundercat visit?
The tour visits Manta Ray Bay and Butterfly Bay or Stonehaven Bay around Hook Island.
Can non-swimmers do this tour?
Absolutely - life jackets and pool noodles are provided, and the crew gives personalised attention to nervous snorkellers.
How much time do you get at Whitehaven Beach?
Approximately 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach, including the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout.
What makes Thundercat different from other Whitehaven Beach tours?
The high-speed catamaran means more time at destinations and less time travelling compared to slower boats.
More Tours to These Destinations
If you're interested in visiting Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, check out other Whitehaven Beach tours departing from Coral Sea Marina. For more underwater adventures, explore our snorkelling tours, or see all day tours from Airlie Beach.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the accommodation options, walked every street, and know which properties genuinely deliver on their promises.
Red Cat Adventures and their Thundercat tour have been operating since the company's inception and have built an outstanding reputation. They're Australia's 2024 Gold winner for Best Adventure Tourism Business and hold the highest level of ECO accreditation in the country. The crew's expertise and passion for the Whitsundays shine through on every trip.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
Ready to Book? Check Real-Time Availability
Compare prices across trusted booking platforms to find the best deal
View Booking OptionsWe may earn a small commission when you book through these links at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep providing free local travel guides.