Salty Safaris
Whale Swim & Watching Hervey Bay
Join Salty Safaris for an unforgettable small-group whale swim and watching adventure exploring the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay alongside World Heritage listed K’gari.
From thrilling close encounters to breathtaking breaches, every trip offers the chance to witness these incredible giants up close from our fast, low-to-water adventure vessel.
Experience the magic of humpback whales in one of the best whale watching destinations on Earth!
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Explore our unforgettable
Ocean Safaris
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Whale Swim and Watching Safaris
Step onboard Wipeout for an unforgettable encounter with the majestic humpback whales in Platypus Bay, the world’s first Whale Heritage Site. Our small-group safaris offer intimate, up-close experiences, and when conditions permit, the rare opportunity to swim alongside these incredible creatures.
Departs: Great Sandy Straits Marina
Departure Time: 8:00am (morning tour) & 1:00pm (afternoon tour)
Tour runs from 15th July to mid September
Duration: Approx 4 Hours
Early Season Whale Watching Tour
Join our Early Season Whale Watching and Beach Safari and experience the ocean before the crowds arrive. This limited-time adventure offers a relaxed, small-group cruise along the coastline as we search for the first humpbacks of the season. This is a whale watching tour, there is no whale swimming.
Departs: Great Sandy Straits Marina
Departure Time: 8:00am (morning tour)
Tour runs from 13th June to 14th July
Duration: Approx 4.5 Hours
Sunset Crusies
This tour offers a fun, unique way to enjoy the magic of watching a sunset across the ocean. Music, drinks, remote Island views, with a bit of an exhilaration as we go from thrill to chill. The ultimate Hervey Bay sunset cruise.
Departs: Great Sandy Straits Marina
Departure Time: 3:45pm
Tour runs May - June
Duration: 2 hours
Experience the
Humpback Mecca
Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast and stop to rest, play and socialise in the calm waters of Platypus Bay.
Hervey Bay is famous for close encounters and interactive whale behaviour, including breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping and the famous “whale mugging”, where curious whales approach the boat.
It’s one of the few places in the world where whales relax during migration, making encounters longer, calmer and often incredibly close.
Our tours take you right into the heart of this Whale Heritage Site for a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Expect an exciting, immersive adventure that gets you closer to the whales than traditional large vessels.
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Why Choose
Salty Safaris?
Professional Locals
The fabulous owners and crew are all friendly, well trained professionals that always bring the good energy to make your experience one to remember!
Top Rated Experiences
Discover why Salty Safaris is top-rated, with 5-star rave reviews praising our unforgettable boat tours, expert guides, and exceptional customer service.
Whale Site (Jul-Oct)
Join Salty Safaris in Hervey Bay, the world’s first Whale Heritage Site, for an unparalleled whale-watching experience in a globally recognised marine sanctuary.
Eco-Friendly
Experience nature responsibly with Salty Safaris, your eco-friendly boat tour choice committed to preserving marine life and minimizing environmental impact.
World Heritage Location
Explore K’gari, a World Heritage-listed site, with Salty Safaris’ exclusive tours offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.
Value for Money
Get the best value for your money with Salty Safaris, offering affordable rates for unforgettable boat tours packed with adventure and stunning scenery.
100% fun
Your Ride
At Salty Safaris we specialise in fast, small-group whale watching tours designed to maximise your time with the whales.
Our purpose-built adventure vessel carries a maximum of just 18 guests, giving everyone a front-row seat to the action.
With powerful engines and an experienced local crew, we can quickly reach the whales and move between pods to find the best encounters of the day.
Small group tour, ideal for private charters
70% vessel has shade
Immersive experiences
Cruise at over 25 knots
More about us
Frequently asked questions:
When is whale watching season in Hervey Bay?
Whale watching season in Hervey Bay runs from mid-July to mid-October each year, when thousands of humpback whales migrate along Australia’s east coast and rest in Platypus Bay.
Can you swim with humpback whales in Australia?
Yes, but only in a few licensed locations. In Hervey Bay, Salty Safaris offers swim-with-whales experiences when conditions are suitable, allowing guests a rare and closely regulated interaction with humpback whales.
How close do the whales get on your tours?
Whales in Hervey Bay are known for their curious behaviour and often approach boats closely, sometimes engaging in behaviours like spy hopping, breaching, and “whale mugging”, where they linger around vessels.
What makes Hervey Bay one of the best whale watching destinations in the world?
Hervey Bay is Australia’s only recognised Whale Heritage Site, where humpback whales stop to rest during migration. The calm, sheltered waters of Platypus Bay allow for longer, more relaxed, and more interactive whale encounters than most other locations.
How many people are on Salty Safaris tours?
Salty Safaris operates small groups with a maximum of 14 guests on our whale swim tours, ensuring a more personal, spacious, and immersive whale watching experience compared to larger vessels.
What should I bring on a whale watching tour?
We recommend bringing sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a light jacket, and a camera. In cooler months, a windproof layer is ideal as ocean conditions can change throughout the day.
Can I swim with whales if I am pregnant?
For safety reasons, we do not recommend in-water whale swims for guests who are pregnant. Ocean conditions can be unpredictable, and entering and exiting the water from the vessel can be physically demanding. You are welcome to join the tour and enjoy whale watching from the boat.
What is the difference between whale watching and whale swimming?
Whale watching takes place from the vessel, while whale swimming allows guests the opportunity to enter the water and observe whales in their natural environment, when conditions and whale behaviour permit.