Diddy Kong Racing/Sherbert Island

Whale Bay

 * Strategy


 * Coins


 * Track Times

Crescent Island

 * Strategy

The key to the Darkwater Beach is located on this map. To reach the key, take the left path after the start. When you see the rainbow balloon, exit to the water and continue to the large rock ahead. This rock contains an alcove for the key, which you can take when the water rises slightly.

After the start, the track splits into two; a zipper is on the left outside path, while balloons are on the right. There will also be two other zippers before you approach the ship, with the second behind hard to see as you approach.

After going up the ramp, make a hard left turn into the ship. If you miss and go up the ramp, you'll fall into a pit where you need to make a hard right after you land.

The ship leads to a second tunnel. You can attempt a hard right turn as a small shortcut to the exit.


 * Coins


 * Track Times

Pirate Lagoon

 * Strategy


 * Coins


 * Track Times

Treasure Caves

 * Strategy

This is a straightforward track - simply it all zippers, and you should be well ahead of the pack.

The map shows a small fork, but take the left path. The right-hand path is actually the route towards the boat, which is the long way around.


 * Coins


 * Track Times

Darkwater Beach
Unlocked by collecting the key on Crescent Island.


 * Strategy

Boss Circuit
This boss is extra challenging the second time around, after the "silver coin challenge". It is easiest to defeat him with Conker. If you hit one of the bubbles, you have basically no chance of catching up. The best advice is to practise the track a few times, and just get used to where all of the bubbles are. Once you can instinctively circle the track without hitting a bubble, then it's time to try and beat him for real.
 * Strategy

Use rockets. The first red balloon is just outside the first rocky arch you approach. Skirt around the arch to pick it up. It is possible to hit the octopus with this single balloon as you enter the cave, but it's unessecarily tricky, and you're more likey to crash into the log or one of the bubbles than you are to actually hit him. Instead, go after the second red balloon inside the length of cave; it is situated right next to a bubble, but it's possible to get the balloon and miss the bubble. Now that you have the powered up homing missile, fire immediately to slow down the octopus.

It's possible to hit him two more times before you cross the finish line; go for the red balloon situated on the small island just after the second rocky arch, line him up as he's passing the next set of little islands and fire. Then grab the red balloon on those islands, and hit him as you both cross the finish line. I've found that this is enough to get in front of him. If you don't get in front of him on the first lap, relax - you have another two laps to try.

Once you get past him, about half the bubbles will no longer be in front of you. You don't need to worry about balloons any more, just concentrate on avoiding the remaining bubbles, and stay to the "inside track" - i.e. skirt the beaches where possible, the sand won't slow you down, and you'll have slightly less distance to cover (who said geometry wasn't useful?). As long as you make a clean run through, he won't catch up to you.