Small group whale swim Experience
Swim with Whales Hervey Bay
Swimming with whales in Hervey Bay is one of the rarest and most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world.
whale swim safaris
swim with whales
Each year from July to October, humpback whales migrate into the calm, sheltered waters of Platypus Bay to rest, socialise, and interact — creating a unique opportunity for in-water whale encounters in their natural environment.
At Salty Safaris, we specialise in small group whale swim experiences in Hervey Bay, designed to maximise your opportunity for a meaningful and respectful encounter while keeping whale welfare as the highest priority.
This is not a guaranteed interaction it is a natural wildlife experience. But in the right conditions, it is truly life-changing.
Why Hervey Bay is the Best Place to Swim with Whales
Hervey Bay is widely recognised as the best location in Australia for whale swim experiences, and one of the only places in the world where this activity is responsibly conducted. This is due to a unique combination of factors:
Protected, calm waters Sheltered by K’gari (Fraser Island), Platypus Bay provides:
- Flat, sheltered ocean conditions
- Excellent visibility
- Safer in-water environments
Resting humpback whales Unlike open-ocean migration routes, whales in Hervey Bay:
- Stop to rest for extended periods
- Socialise in pods
- Exhibit relaxed, non-migratory behaviour
Higher interaction potential Curious and relaxed whales significantly increase the likelihood of natural in-water encounters.
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.
what to expect on
Can You Guarantee Swimming with Whales?
No, and any operator who suggests otherwise is not being transparent. Swimming with whales is:
- Weather dependent
- Whale behaviour dependent
- Strictly regulated for safety and conservation
There may be days where:
- Conditions are perfect but whales choose not to engage
- Whale watching only is conducted
- Multiple in-water opportunities occur
- Or no water entry is possible
Why Choose Salty Safaris for Whale Swimming in Hervey Bay
Salty Safaris offers a more intimate and premium whale swim experience designed for guests who want something beyond standard tourism.
We offer:
- Small group whale swim tours
- Experienced, conservation-focused crew
- Fast vessel access to whale activity zones
- Respectful, non-invasive wildlife interaction
- A focus on quality encounters over quantity
Our philosophy is simple:
The whales lead the experience, we facilitate it respectfully.
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 7.30am for a 8.00am departure. We return to the boat harbour approximately 12.00pm.
Afternoon Tour: Please arrive at 12.30pm for a 1.00pm departure. We return to the boat harbour approximately 5.00pm.
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)