Salty Safaris Tours

Whales & Beaches

If you are only going to do one tour in the Bay- this is it! Experience more of the World Heritage Wonders than any other half-day trip!  

Choose between our Morning and Afternoon Tour Options.

Whale Watching & Swim with the whales in Hervey Bay!

See more, do more, have more fun!

The only boat that offers whale watching, swim with the whales (if conditions permit) and a beach stop-over, all in a half day tour!
Our Whale’s & Beaches experience is on offer from 15th of July to 15th of October
(Please note: if unfavourable weather prevents access into certain areas for our tour, the skipper will adjust the itinerary as necessary).
Jump onboard our vessel ‘Wipeout’ for an exhilarating & scenic trip into Platypus Bay (Whale World Heritage Site) to experience the majestic Humpback Whales. Our 18-seater, 500 Hp Gemini adventure RIB with full sun protection roof, is the closest vessel to the water surface in the Bay, offering the perfect platform for a truly unique, up close and personal whale watching experience.
whale watching salty safaris hervey bay
salty safaris fraser island kgari white sand ocean adventures hervey bay
After our time with the whales, we give you a taste of island-life, as we make a short stop-over on one of many, pristine beaches and sandbanks of the Northern Great Sandy Straits. As most of our time is spent with the whales, our beach time is roughly 30 minutes. Beach location varies depending on weather and our experienced crew will choose the best location on the day. The beach stop-over is not mandatory, so if the majority of guests on board would like to spend an extra 30 minutes with the whales, that’s ok with us! The beaches are however, the hidden gems of the K’gari West coast and will be sure to take your breath away with their beauty and isolation.
Our tours are the perfect blend of tranquillity and exhilaration. The only way to see more, do more and have more fun is to jump onboard with us, on this epic adventure of discovery, sightseeing, relaxation, and unique photo opportunities. 99% of the time, our afternoon tour includes a stop-over on a small white sandy island for the perfect sunset shot across the water.

Our Vessel

Wipeout

‘Wipeout’ is a 11m semi-rigid inflatable vessel, originally designed and built as rescue crafts and is powered by 500hp of the latest four-stroke technology, 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 wildlife experiences as you get incredibly close to nature from the comfort and safety of the vessel. With a maximum of only 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

Discover Our Tours

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