Salty Safaris
FAQ’s
Learn more by browsing our frequently asked questions.
If you have a questions that are not answered here please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and want to ensure your wild K’gari Experience comes to life!
The Fraser Coast’s
Funnest Marine Tours
K’gari Salty Safaris operates marine tours daily from Urangan harbour in Hervey Bay, the Western Wonders (+ whales in season) and Funset, carrying guests on an adventure to experience some of the Fraser Coast’s most remote destinations. Our guests experience adrenalin fuelled action while exploring the islands, creeks and banks on our semi-rigid inflatable vessel ‘Wipeout’ travelling at speeds of up to 30 knots.
With a plethora of breathtaking vistas to feast your eyes on, it is no wonder why the first Australians named Fraser Island K’gari, which translates to ‘paradise’. This paradisiacal area is brimming with marine, bird and animal life, including the wild purebred Wongari (dingo) and humpback whales (from July-October).
Discover Our Tours
How do I get to Hervey Bay?
Hervey Bay is part of the Fraser Coast region which is North of the Sunshine Coast and Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane. The Fraser Coast airport (HVB) has direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and there are plenty of public transport options including buses and trains. If driving, Hervey Bay is approximately 3.5 hours north from Brisbane.
Where do the tours depart from?
Our vessel is located in Berth B1, at the Great Sandy Straits Marina located at 17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan 4655.
What is the weather like on the Fraser Coast?
The Fraser Coast is blessed with sub-tropical climate providing spectacular conditions suited to everyone’s unique preferences. Summer offers hot, humid breezy days with warm waters perfect for swimming with an average temperature of 30 degrees celsius. Winter provides drier weather with sunny days and balmy nights at an average temperature of 20 degrees. The best time to visit the Fraser Coast is between April to August.
Do I have to wear a stinger suit in Hervey Bay?
It is not common for our waterways to have stingers, despite having had minimal cases of Irikanjdi at the height of summer in some years. If you are in the area during the summer, we suggest taking caution at this time and contacting our office if you have any concerns.
Is there phone coverage/WiFi all day?
If you have a Telstra device, you will receive some coverage at different locations. If you are relying on phone/internet reception, unfortunately this cannot be guaranteed.
What if I am not a confident swimmer?
Please make sure that you tell the office team when you check in as well as the crew on board the vessel as they will assist you if you wish to snorkel. We also offer life jackets and pool noodles on board for extra buoyancy.
Why don't the tours stop at the same locations?
The tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on tide, wind and other weather conditions. The sites that you will stop at are carefully selected by our highly trained skippers to ensure that you have the most memorable experience possible for the conditions of the day.
Do you rent Go-Pro's or underwater cameras for the day?
No, we do not rent cameras.
Our staff will be taking photos throughout your day. If you would like to review any photos captured on the day, be sure to ask our crew.
*If you do not wish to have your photos taken during the day for any reason, please just let our staff know prior to departure.
What should I bring and what footwear should I wear?
Bring along a small bag with things that you would usually take to the beach (towel, swimmers, sunscreen and a hat). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Big Woody Island Lighthouse walk to the lookout. A jacket during the winter period is highly recommended to protect you from the wind and spray. Cash for any drinks or snacks on board is recommended and if you haven’t chosen to purchase lunch, please ensure that you bring your own, as we do not visit any resorts or shops during the day.
Fraser Coast visitors recommendations
There are a few great accommodation options within walking distance to the Great Sandy Straits Marina.
– Mantra Hervey Bay
– BreakFree Great Sandy Straits
– Akama Resort
– Ramada Hervey Bay
Dining Recommendations:
Hervey Bay is filled with many great restaurants & cafes! Here are our some of our top picks!
– The Dock Bar & Restaurant (located at the Marina)
– Cafe Balena (located at the Marina)
– Whale Bay Asian Cuisine (located at the Marina)
– Waterfront Restaurant
– Bayaroma Cafe
– Tres Salsas
Get more ideas on what the Fraser Coast has to offer by visiting the following websites!
Visit Fraser Coast >>
How fast does the boat travel?
Wipe Out travels up to speeds of 30 knots, allowing you to experience a fun, high speed ride whilst exploring the islands and beaches of the beautiful Fraser Coast.
How long will I spend on the boat?
The longest part of the journey is just over an hour. Between stops the journey will be anywhere from 10 – 45 minutes, depending on where the skipper chooses next, given conditions on the day. In whale season, more time is spent on board whale watching.
Will I get sea sick?
Due to the open-style design and speed which we travel, it is very rare for guests to experience sea sickness on board. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. We welcome anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.
Are your tours suitable for all ages?
Not all our tours are suitable for all ages. If you are concerned about the weather conditions for the date that you are travelling, or wish to speak to one of our friendly office team about young or senior passengers travelling, please call us on 0483 884 053.
What if I have a medical condition?
Depending on the weather, tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant. K’Gari Salty Safaris is not classed as a thrill ride, however given the nature of the vessel, seating and boarding/disembarking, all guests must be able to support themselves during wave manoeuvring and able to use our ladder.
Is there a bathroom on board?
Wipe Out has a marine toilet on board. These are not to be used whilst the boat is in motion and special care must be taken regarding use. The crew will include instructions in the tour briefing.
Can I bring my own lunch and drinks?
You can bring your own lunch, snacks and water. The vessel is limited on space, so please be conscious of bringing a small bag only. We are a licensed vessel so no BYO for alcoholic drinks.
Can I bring my camera or phone to take pictures?
Yes, small cameras to capture special moments is welcomed. Although we do have dry boxes under the seats designed to keep your belongings safe, all electrical and personal belongings are brought at your own risk and is no responsibility of K’Gari Salty Safaris if these items are lost or damaged during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions for
Whale Swim Tours
Do I need to be able to swim to do this tour?
Yes. You need to have a basic level of swimming ability. You will be in the open ocean where you cannot see or touch the bottom, so being comfortable in deep water is important.
Can I wear a life jacket?
No. Life jackets are not permitted during whale swims.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Water temperatures range from approximately 20–24°C between June and October. As you will be mostly stationary in the water, you may feel cooler than expected.
Wetsuits are available to hire for $10 and are recommended for warmth and comfort. They also provide natural buoyancy, helping you stay afloat more easily.
How long do I get in the water?
Time in the water varies depending on whale behaviour and conditions, but guests are rotated in small groups to maximise each person’s opportunity.
Is swimming with whales guaranteed?
No. Whale swims are a natural wildlife experience and depend on whale behaviour, weather conditions, and safety regulations. While we do everything we can to create opportunities, in-water interactions cannot be guaranteed.
What happens if we don’t get in the water?
In-water whale swims are not guaranteed. If conditions or whale behaviour do not allow swimming, you will still enjoy a full whale watching experience from the vessel. We do not offer refunds or discounts to rebook if the in-water swims are unsuccessful.
How many tours should I book?
As in-water whale swims are not guaranteed and depend entirely on whale behaviour and ocean conditions, we recommend booking more than one tour if swimming with whales is a priority for you. Booking multiple days gives you a better chance of entering the water and also allows you to experience different whale behaviours and conditions across each day, making your overall experience even more rewarding.
What if I’m nervous in the water?
That’s completely normal. The floating line provides support, and our crew will guide you throughout the experience. Many guests who are initially nervous feel much more comfortable once in the water.
Can I touch the whales?
No. For the safety of both guests and whales, touching is strictly not permitted. All interactions are passive and on the whales’ terms.
Do I have to swim with whales?
No, you do not have to get into the water. Whale sightings from the vessel are fantastic in their own right!
What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a warm layer for after your swim are recommended.
When is whale swimming season?
Whale swimming season runs from Mid July to Mid October, when humpback whales migrate into the bay. Peak whale swimming is between Mid July and August.
Where does the tour depart from?
Our vessel is located in Berth B1, at the Great Sandy Straits Marina located at 17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan 4655. Please check your booking confirmation for more details.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours are weather dependent. If conditions are unsafe or unsuitable, we may cancel or reschedule the trip. You will be offered an alternative date or a refund if the tour cannot go ahead.
What is your cancellation policy?
Customer cancellation policies will apply as per our booking terms, which can be found here. If the operator cancels due to weather or safety reasons, you will be offered a reschedule or refund.
Will I get seasick?
Conditions can vary, and some days may be rougher than others. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking preventative medication before the tour. Tablets need to be taken at least one hour before boarding.
Are there change rooms onboard?
No, there are no change rooms onboard. We recommend arriving wearing your swimwear under your clothes and bringing a towel and dry clothes to change into after the tour if needed.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
This experience is not suitable for children under 12 years old or for guests with mobility limitations. The tour involves time in the open ocean and requires the ability to move safely around the vessel and enter and exit the water. All guests must be physically capable and comfortable in these conditions to participate safely.
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.
Still got Q’s?
Ask Us a Question
Still got a burning question about our tours that wasn’t answered in our FAQ’s? Send us your question via the form below and we’d be happy to assist! We want you to have the best time on water and being prepared is the best way to ensure a fantastic day!
