Salty Safaris Tours
Early Season Whale Watching
Be among the first to spot the whales.
The whales aren’t guaranteed, but the fun is!
Experience the magic of the early migration season with our Small Group Whale Watching & Beach Safari Half Day Morning Tour.
Early Whale Watching in Hervey Bay!
See more, do more, have more fun!
While whale sightings are not guaranteed this early in the season, every tour offers a relaxed and immersive wildlife safari in one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal environments.
What makes this tour special
This is not your typical whale watching tour, it’s an exploration experience.
With smaller group sizes and a flexible itinerary, our crew focuses on delivering a personalised and authentic day on the water.
On this tour, you may experience:
- The chance to spot early migrating humpback whales
- Encounters with dolphins, turtles, and seabirds
- A guided beach safari on a remote and pristine coastline
- A fast and comfortable ride, maximising your time exploring
- A relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere
Early Season Experience
Our early season tours operate before peak whale migration, offering a different kind of experience.
Instead of busy waters filled with boats, you’ll enjoy a quieter, more natural setting. The focus is on exploration, wildlife spotting, and soaking up the beauty of the coastline.
Please note: Whale sightings are not guaranteed on this tour due to the early stage of the migration. This is reflected in the reduced pre-season pricing.
Why Small group
Whale Swim Experiences Matter
At Salty Safaris, we deliberately operate small group whale swim tours to improve both safety and encounter quality.
Smaller groups mean:
- Less noise and disruption in the water
- More space for each guest
- Better positioning for whale encounters
- A calmer environment whales are more likely to approach
Large vessels can overcrowd encounters and reduce the quality of interaction. We prioritise quality over volume.
Tour Info
Departure + Return
Look for our K’gari Salty Safari flag at the bottom of the walkway to the main commercial pontoon where all of the other charter boats leave from. Our vessel is in berth B1 of the Great Sandy Straits Marina on Buccaneer Drive in Urangan, Hervey Bay.
Morning Tour: Please arrive at 7.45am for a 8.00am departure. We return to the boat harbour approximately 12.30pm.
Afternoon Tour: Please arrive at 1.00pm for a 1.30pm departure. We return to the boat harbour approximately 5:30pm.
There is free open aired parking. No secure parking options.
(NOTE: It is encouraged to bring a very warm jacket and/or wind breaker as it can get cold with the wind chill factor while the boat is at speed)
What We Bring
- Uncrowded vessel with 360° views of the whales
- Fastest vessel in the fleet getting you to the whales quicker. We swap travel time for WHALE time!!
- Sitting on the vessel pontoons, you are LITERALLY within arms reach of the whales
- If the whales allow, swimming with the whales is INCLUDED in your ticket price
- Our vessel offers the closest possible interactions with the whales aside from actually being in the water with them
- Naturalist talks about the wildlife and Great Sandy Region
- Fun and experienced crew
- Beach activities
- Individual boxes to put your personal gear in
- Instagram gold
- A selection of soft drinks, beer and select alcohol available for purchase on board.
(NOTE: It is encouraged to bring a very warm jacket and/or wind breaker as it can get cold with the wind chill factor while the boat is at speed)
What To Expect
Expect a fun and memorable day. We meet at 7:45am for a 8:00am departure from the Urangan Boat Harbour. Return time to harbour is approx 12:30pm. NOTE: Return time may vary if we are unable to leave the whales on time, due to permit conditions. (NOTE: It is encouraged to bring a very warm jacket and/or wind breaker as it can get cold with the wind chill factor while the boat is at speed)
Once checked in and your gear sorted, jump on board and the crew will give you a run-down of the day and a safety brief. Once we’re out of the harbour we’ll crank the tunes, show off the boat’s water-acrobatics and see where the tides take us! Our experienced skippers’ base the itinerary on the weather and the passengers’ interests, so you get the best possible experience.
When you’re not onboard cruising the waterways or speeding from hotspot to hotspot, there will be plenty of time to jump off the boat for a swim, snorkel or sunbathe. We also have sporting gear if you want to challenge your mates to a game of beach cricket, frisbee, or footy.
There is so much to see and do as we explore the islands and waterways between K’gari (Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay!
(NOTE: It is encouraged to bring a very warm jacket and/or wind breaker as it can get cold with the wind chill factor while the boat is at speed)
Tour Highlights
- Epic whale watching experience in the sheltered waters of one of the World’s first Whale Heritage Sites.
- Dedicated whale swimming (Swimming strictly on the whales terms) We may have to locate several different whales should some not be accommodating to our presence.
- Explore the waters surrounding World Heritage listed K’gari and the northern Great Sandy Strait
- Exhilarating boat ride
- Beautiful scenery
- Unique beach visits
- Direct access to Pelican Banks
- Snorkelling and swimming opportunities
- Beach activities (e.g. walks, beach cricket/footy)
- Personalised adventure with a small group (up to 18 passengers)
- Soft drink and alcoholic drinks available for purchase.
- Fully licensed vessel
(NOTE: It is encouraged to bring a very warm jacket and/or wind breaker as it can get cold with the wind chill factor while the boat is at speed)