One-day Speedboat Great Barrier Reef Trip
Raging Thunder |
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This trip is aboard Thunderbolt, a 54 foot Mono Hull with a maximum of 45 divers and a Dive Staff of 3. It is for 1 day.
Departure Information
Departure is from Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns, Cairns at 8:30 AM every day, return time 5:00 PM.
The Dive
"IT'S INSANE and there's NOTHING like it !!!!" is how Raging Thunder describes this trip, and if we agree on both points. If you want to combine some speed and excitement with your visit to the reef this is the trip for you.
The trips starts with a calm and quick ferry ride from Cairns to Fitzroy Island, where you will have a couple of hours to explore this small tropical island before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef.
The day starts with a quick morning transfer from Cairns to Fitzroy Island via their large and fast ferryboat, which has both an early and a late morning departure to choose from. Once you have arrived at Fitzroy Island you will have the rest of the morning to enjoy the Island before you head out to the reef at 1:30pm.
The Thunderbolt can make it out to the reef in just 25 minutes; it does not take long at 80km/hr. Once you’ve caught your breath you are ready for some great snorkeling. The boat has a choice of dive sites at three different reefs, (Moore, Flynn and Thetford Reefs), and visits two of them on each trip. You will have around two hours to explore the wonders of the reef, then it’s time for the very quick trip back to Fitzroy Island, then the ferry back to Cairns.
Please note that for safety reasons all passengers taking this trip must be 120cm or taller.
The Boat
The Thunderbolt is the only boat of it’s kind in operating in Cairns. Using what’s called a RIB design, this boat is quick as can be. Built in 2005, it can travel at speeds up to 80km per hour. Because of the speed of the boat, those prone to seasickness will love this short and roll-free trip. The boat takes up to 42 snorkelers out to the reef at one time. A boat this fast does not have a great deal of open deck space, but because of its low profile, entrances and exits from the water are pretty easy.
Trip Prices
Included
 All snorkelling gear (with Snorkel price only)
Thunderbolt Transfers to/from Great Barrier Reef (with Snorkel price only)
Transfers to and from island (with Snorkel price only)
Snorkel instruction (with Snorkel price only)
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All prices are in
US Dollars. |
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12 Feb 08 -
onwards
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| Children, 12/younger (must be over 120cm tall.) |
$103 |
| Adults |
$140 |
| Extras: | |
| Beer, wine, soda, on sale at bar |
- | | Meals not included |
- | | Transfers to/from Cairns lodging |
$8 | | Environmental management charge (pay on board) |
$9 |
Children are between the ages of 12 and 13
About Raging Thunder
Raging Thunder has operated rafting trips on area rivers since 1984 and is one of two companies responsible for pioneering white water rafting in the Cairns area. They also own Rescue 3, which trains Australian and Asian river guides, including those working at Raging Thunder, assuring that their staff is extremely well-trained and qualified. In the last five years the company has expanded its offerings to include kayaking and ballooning trips.
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