Salty Safaris Tours
Whale Watching Hervey Bay
Experience the best whale watching in Hervey Bay aboard a small-group adventure vessel exploring the calm waters of Platypus Bay alongside K’gari (Fraser Island).
Join Salty Safaris for an unforgettable whale watching experience in Hervey Bay, one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales. From July to October, thousands of whales rest, play, and socialise in the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay, often offering close and unforgettable encounters.
Small Group Whale Watching Tour
Experience the Best Whale Watching in Hervey Bay with Salty Safaris
From July to October, Hervey Bay becomes one of the most extraordinary whale watching destinations in the world. Thousands of humpback whales migrate into the calm, protected waters of Platypus Bay to rest, play, and socialise — offering some of the most reliable and magical whale encounters in Australia.
At Salty Safaris, we specialise in small group whale watching tours in Hervey Bay, giving you a more personal, less crowded, and more immersive experience on the water.
If you’re looking for the best whale watching Hervey Bay has to offer, you’re in the right place.
Why Hervey Bay is Famous for Whale Watching
Hervey Bay is internationally recognised as the whale watching capital of Australia, and for good reason.
Unlike other destinations where whales are simply passing through, the whales in Hervey Bay:
- Stop to rest for days or even weeks
- Socialise in calm, sheltered waters
- Show relaxed and curious behaviours around boats
Protected by K’gari (Fraser Island), the waters of Platypus Bay offer ideal conditions for extended whale encounters.
This is what makes whale watching in Hervey Bay so special it’s not rushed, and it’s not unpredictable. It’s one of the most consistent whale experiences in the world.
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
Your Whale Watching Tour
Every day on the water is different, but you can expect an unforgettable encounter with humpback whales in their natural environment.
During your whale watching Hervey Bay experience, you may see:
- Breaching (whales launching out of the water)
- Tail slapping and pectoral fin displays
- Spy hopping (whales lifting their heads above water to observe you)
- Social interactions between pods and calves
- Close, natural approaches to the vessel
Some encounters are calm and gentle, others are energetic and playful — no two days are ever the same.
Whale Watching Season in Hervey Bay
The whale watching season runs from July to October, with peak activity typically occurring from August through September.
During this time:
- Whale numbers are at their highest
- Mothers and calves are commonly sighted
- Conditions are generally calm and ideal for viewing
Early and late season tours can also offer unique experiences with fewer vessels on the water.
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)
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Morning Tour
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Afternoon Tour
Seeking answers?
Contact Us
ADDRESS
Berth 1
Great Sandy Straits Marina
Buccaneer Drive, Urangan
Queensland 4655
PHONE
OUR SOCIALS