Premium Small Group Whale Watching Safari - Half Day Tour (Morning)
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An adventure-packed tour that promises excitement at every turn!
Step aboard Wipeout, the fastest vessel in Hervey Bay, for a premium small-group adventure where you get to be first on the water with the whales. By limiting our tours to small groups, we provide space, comfort, and an intimate, personalised experience that larger tours can’t match.
Feel the thrill as our expert guides navigate the calm waters of the Great Sandy Straits to bring you up close to majestic humpback whales. On the morning tour, there is the unique opportunity to swim with the whales, creating an unforgettable encounter before the crowds arrive.
Whale swimming is offered on all our morning tours for guests who want an immersive experience. Swimming with whales is strictly on their terms and follows our license guidelines, and is not guaranteed on any tours. The best whale swimming opportunities are from mid-July to August, as from September onwards, more mothers and calves enter the Bay.
Tour Highlights:
- Fastest vessel in Hervey Bay, be first with the whales
- Small group experience, space and personal touch
- Up-close encounters with humpback whales
- Morning tour offers the opportunity to swim with whales
- Complimentary mask and snorkel hire – wetsuits available to hire for $10
- Expert guides sharing insider knowledge
- Premium vessel with unobstructed views, under cover
This tour is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Guests with mobility issues may also find this tour challenging. Boarding and disembarking the vessel, as well as moving around on deck, requires a reasonable level of mobility.
The tour starts and finishes from the Great Sandy Straits Marina, Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, Queensland 4655
Cancellations accepted up until 48 hours prior to Departure. Cruise Specifics are weather and tide dependent. Read our full Terms and Conditions here.
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The whales were mesmerising, majestic, phenomenal, FANTASTIC!!!! Legit, life changing! ✨️
The boat ride was smooth, the atmosphere relaxed, and there were excellent tunes and good energy, making it perfect for those who are new to this kind of adventure, as well as seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and ocean lovers.
I highly recommend this tour for anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in nature.
Thank you to the whole team for making it such a special day! 🐋💙
The crew were fun and knowledgeable and the boat was comfortable.
At one point we had 5 whales swimming and playing so close to us. Would highly recommend this company
That was one of the most incredible experiences of my LIFE.
I'm still pinching myself as to how close the whales came to us... their interaction, inquisitiveness. They were so chilled and friendly. Thankyou Bruce for allowing us an incredibly intimate and unhurried experience with them. Just wow.
I couldn't more highly recommend the swim with whales experience with Satly safari's.
Bruce and Anika certainly know what they’re doing, their knowledge and understanding of the whales enabled us to not only spot and watch the whales up close, we also got to tick off a bucket list moment when we got to swim with these majestic animals! Bruce and Anika made sure that the whales came to us, and that they did! Multiple times! The size of the whales when they swim underneath you just metres away is a lifetime experience I won’t forget.
We can’t recommend Salty Safaris enough! They are amazing not only with their knowledge and respect for the whales, but the hospitality is second to none!! The beers and drinks were icy cold, the vibe throughout the whole day had smiles from everyone on board! We were lucky to have them for the day! We will be back very soon with the family!! 😊
Thanks for a great arvo, team!
Super friendly people and always will recommend going through Salty Safaris.
The Salty Crew were outstanding—so accommodating and friendly! The delicious food and icy cold drinks definitely added to the experience. Having toilet facilities on board was a fantastic bonus, making everything much more comfortable.
The kids enjoyed paddleboarding and having a blast on the inflatable toys, while we even engaged in fun ball games on KGari Fraser Island! The whole day was filled with laughter and joy, making it a truly special occasion.
What I love most about Salty Safaris is its intimate, family-run atmosphere. It’s clear that they pour their heart and soul into providing a unique experience. I can’t recommend them enough! I’m already looking forward to returning for some of the other amazing tours they offer.
Thank you, Salty Safaris, for making my birthday celebration one to remember!
Bruce, the skipper on the dive boat is very pleasant (always) and extremely knowledeable having dived commercially for years.
Nothing is bothersome to him which is great because nothing is more off putting having cranky staff.
The guide for the day was Matt and Matt is awesome. Master instructor without the big ego.
They have another instructor, also Matt and I hear he is a lot if fun too.
Highly recommend Salty Safaris for a guaranteed pleasant day out.
P.S. The Ex-HMAs Tobruk is an amazing dive like a box of chocolates you never know what you’re going to get.
Do yourself a favour and go diving with Salty Safaris and perhaps also enjiy their other trips.
Whether you are a local or passing through, I’d recommend to jump on board and see what the bay has to offer!
The skills and knowledge the Salty Safari team has on the area is phenomenal. From novice to experienced divers, you will be very well looked after.
The boat is comfortable, spacious and easy to get in and out of when you’re all geared up (super handy when you’ve worked hard in the water exploring the Tobruk).
There is an abundance of life on this wreck. Every time I dive this site, I see something different and have never been disappointed!
I would really recommend a dive trip with Salty Safari. I will be diving with them again soon 🙂
Sar
Very enthousiastic guides!! Wonderfull experience also with kids (11 and 13 years)👌🏻
And there is the posibility to swim with the whales, awesome!!!!
The team were not only knowledgeable but also very friendly, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable and excited for the adventure ahead. Their briefings were thorough, covering all the necessary safety protocols and dive site information, which put everyone at ease.
The dive was superb with excellent visibility and loads of turtles which included Loggerhead, Green, and Hawksbill. The wreck was teeming with marine life and it was fun exploring some of the interior of the wreck! My favourite moment was an encounter with a huge Marble Ray near the bow of the wreck.
During our surface interval we were provided with yummy food which also included freshly baked white chocolate cookies.
The combination of a professional, friendly team, a great boat, delicious food, and an amazing dive site made for an unforgettable experience. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to explore the underwater wonders of the HMAS Tobruk.
A big thank you to Bruce, Mark and Matt for an exceptional day. I can’t wait to dive with you again!
Totally recommend this trip for something with a little more 'pep' than the big boats ... really up close and personal with the whales. Loved it!
We will do it again.
Comfortable boat.
Everything provided for easy snorkelling with the kids. Beautiful beaches, perfect weather. Drinks available too. And sunscreen! The crew were excellent. Helpful informative and didn't once try to pepper us with useless and or boring information. (something that has always annoyed me) Fantastic professional service. A great day.
Thankyou
I can’t recommend them enough! Thanks Sam & Liberty for an epic day! I will be back and bringing more friends/family to enjoy everything you have to offer.
I can’t recommend them enough! Thanks Sam & Liberty for an epic day! I will be back and bringing more friends/family to enjoy everything you have to offer.




















































