00Seven Adventures Thunderball Shipwreck Jetski Tour

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A one hour guided jet ski tour over Darwin's shipwrecks, one of Australia's largest heritage sites, hidden below the surface of the harbour.

Days

1 hour

Age

Passengers 10+; drivers 16+

Group size

Max 8

Start / finish

Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin / Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Self-driven jet ski, following a guide

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of 00Seven Adventures Thunderball Shipwreck Jetski Tour

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Included experiences

Port Darwin — jet ski over WWII warship wrecks
Cyclone Tracy wrecks — sunken fishing trawlers
Guided history of the 1942 bombing of Darwin

00Seven Adventures Thunderball Shipwreck Jetski Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BRIEFING AT STOKES HILL WHARF

Your mission starts at Stokes Hill Wharf on the Darwin Waterfront, half an hour before the skis leave. On 19 February 1942 the wharf took the first bombs of the Japanese air raid on Darwin, and wharf workers died here that morning. Today it is all cafés and bars over the water. Your guide runs the safety briefing, fits your life jacket and sunscreen and matches you to a late-model ski. Not keen on driving? For an extra cost you can ride behind the guide, or bring someone along on the back of your own ski.

OUT TO THE WARSHIP WRECKS

Your guide leads you out over one of Australia's largest heritage sites, the wrecks on the floor of Port Darwin. On 19 February 1942 Japanese aircraft from the same carrier fleet that had struck Pearl Harbor ten weeks earlier bombed the town and its harbour. Eight ships went down. The destroyer USS Peary sank with 88 of her crew, and the ammunition ship Neptuna blew up alongside the wharf you started from. Your guide gives you the story as you sit above the twisted metal.

CYCLONE TRACY'S TRAWLERS

Not every wreck here is from the war. Fishing trawlers lie scattered across the seabed, sunk by Cyclone Tracy, which hit Darwin on Christmas Eve night in 1974 and destroyed most of the city's homes. Between wrecks, sea turtles, seabirds and dolphins often show up, so keep scanning the water.

BACK TO BASE

After an hour on the water you run back to Stokes Hill Wharf, with time to see the Darwin Military Museum or the bombing of Darwin exhibits on the Waterfront if the story has you hooked.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Meet your guide at Dock 1, Stokes Hill Wharf, 45 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin, at least 30 minutes before your tour start time.
Departure time: 9am.
Minimum age: Passengers must be 10 or older. Passengers 10 to 15 must ride with a driver 18 or over; 12 to 15 year olds may drive with an adult at the guide's discretion. Riders 16 to 18 can ride alone with a parent or guardian's authorisation. Passengers 16 and over may swap with the driver during the tour.
Please note: All riders must read, write and understand English, must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and must watch the safety briefing and complete the test before departure. Combined rider and passenger weight must not exceed 200 kg. No 360 spins, spraying other jet skis or trying to throw off passengers. The driver is responsible for the ski; by signing the waiver, you agree your credit card can be charged up to $5,000 for damaged equipment. Time, distance and route may vary with weather, water, tides, rider ability and traffic.
Cancellation: At least 24 hours' notice is needed to cancel; group bookings need 7 days' notice. Bookings may be rescheduled subject to availability. No-shows and late arrivals lose the booking in full. If the operator cancels for weather or other reasons, you get a full refund if rescheduling isn't possible.

What is included

Jet ski for one adult driver
Professional guide and commentary
Safety briefing

Not included

Additional passenger on your ski — $59 (maximum 1 passenger per ski)
Riding on the back of the guide's jet ski — $75 (maximum 1 guide passenger per tour)
Optional damage insurance — $25, covers damage only for the first $2,500

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.