K’gari Salty Safaris

About Us

We run a tight ship, but a loose tour!

K’gari Salty Safaris  tours visit the “wild” side of K’gari (Fraser Island), in the safe and sheltered western beaches and down into the Great Sandy Strait.

The Fraser Coast’s

Ultimate Marine Adventures

Salty Safaris is a small group eco tour operator based in Hervey Bay, offering premium wildlife experiences on the water with a strong focus on whales, nature, and personal connection.

We specialise in intimate whale watching and swim with whales tours, designed for those who want more than just a quick glimpse. Our experiences are built around quality over quantity, giving you the time, space, and flexibility to truly connect with the environment and the incredible marine life that calls this region home.

 

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salty safaris fraser island kgari white sand ocean adventures hervey bay
Swim with Whales

Salty Safaris

our story

Salty Safaris was created from a passion for the ocean and a desire to share meaningful wildlife encounters in a responsible way. Hervey Bay is one of the most unique whale destinations in the world, and we saw an opportunity to offer something different. Smaller groups, faster access to the whales, and a more personalised experience.

Now part of the Spirit Fleet, Salty Safaris continues to grow while staying true to its core values of authenticity, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences.

our Approach to 

wildlife

Respect for wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. We operate under strict guidelines and always prioritise the wellbeing of the animals.

We never chase whales or interfere with their natural behaviour. When conditions allow, we create opportunities for whales to approach us, resulting in more genuine and memorable encounters.

Swimming with whales, when possible, is always conducted in line with government regulations and only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

 

Our Vessel

Wipeout

‘Wipeout’ is a 11m semi-rigid inflatable vessel, originally designed and built as rescue crafts and is driven by 500hp, allowing guests to experience a fun, high speed ride in the natural beauty of west coast K’gari (Fraser Island). Wipeout is the perfect platform for interactive natural experiences as you get incredibly close to nature from the comfort and safety of the vessel. With only being able to take a maximum of 20 guests, the small groups allow all guests to experience paradise away from the crowds. 

Small group tour, ideal for private charters

70% vessel has shade

Immersive experiences

Cruises at an average 25knots

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our vessels wipeout 1

Friendly & Fun!

Our Team

 Our experienced and passionate crew are dedicated to delivering safe, informative, and unforgettable experiences. With extensive local knowledge and a deep respect for the marine environment, they are there to guide you every step of the way.

Whether it is your first time whale watching or a return visit, our team is committed to making your experience special.

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Thomasin

Owner / Operator

Thomasin brings a well rounded background in both hospitality and marine operations, having transitioned into a career as a scuba instructor. Her experience spans from working as a whale swim guide in Tonga to serving as a chief stewardess on yachts. This diverse skill set allows her to deliver seamless operations at Salty Safaris, with a strong focus on detail and a personalised experience for every guest.

Brad

Owner / Operator / Skipper

With over 15 years of skippering boats, including sailing expeditions across oceans and operating Silver Spirit in Sydney, giving him a wealth of knowledge when it comes to handling vessels and reading conditions. Brad’s calm and professional approach ensures every tour runs smoothly, with safety and guest experience always front of mind. Brad is also a Master Scuba Instructor, with a passion for marine life a photography.

Mark

Freediving Instructor & Skipper

Coming from the vibrant shores of Melbourne where the ocean first took her hold on me to teaching scuba in Bali, my journey took a deeper dive into the underwater world! It was in Bali that I discovered the magic of freediving. I return to Amed as much as possible to work on Depth, 50m next trip. Freediving led me to meditation and ultimately to Breathwork. Now, my second passion, as a Breathwork Facilitator I embrace a positive way of life and weave these practices into my freediving training, emphasising safety and mindfulness.

Anika

Marketing Manager

Hello! I’m Anika, and I'm thrilled to be a part of the Salty Safaris team. Having called Hervey Bay home for over 20 years, I’ve developed a deep admiration for the ocean and all the incredible life it holds—well, except for sea lice; they seem to adore me, but the feeling isn’t mutual! As a PADI certified freediver, I find immense joy in diving beneath the surface. There’s something magical about immersing myself in the big blue with just my mask and fins, surrounded by the vibrant sea life that captivates my heart. One of my favorite times of the year is whale season in Hervey Bay—the experience of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable. After spending most of my career in hospitality, I made the leap to join the Salty Safaris family about a year ago. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my days than being out on the ocean or in it, sharing my passion for this beautiful area with both locals and visitors alike. I love interacting with people and offering insights about our spectacular Fraser Coast backyard. I’m also a passionate photographer, always eager to capture the fascinating moments we encounter on our Salty Safaris adventures. So, if you happen to see me around, don’t hesitate to come say hi—I’d love to chat about the ocean, marine life, or even snap a photo together! Looking forward to sharing the wonders of Hervey Bay with you!