Great Sandy Straits Wildlife Cruise

from A$100

2 hours 30 mins

Hervey Bay

All Ages

Relax on a 2.5-hour scenic dolphin cruise through Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait, with opportunities to see dolphins, turtles, and diverse marine life between the Fraser Coast and K'gari.

Adult $100 | Child (6-12) $73.00

Key Highlights

Explore the sheltered waters between the Fraser Coast and K'gari
Spot bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins
See turtles, sea birds, rays, and diverse marine life
Visit seven unique islands with natural beauty and cultural stories
Learn about local habitats and conservation from certified naturalists

What’s included

2.5-hour guided cruise through the Great Sandy Strait
Insightful commentary by certified naturalists

Overview

Enjoy a 2.5-hour scenic dolphin cruise through Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait, experiencing protected waters between the Fraser Coast and K'gari, the world's largest sand island. This area is known for its tranquil landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Throughout the cruise, you may see pods of bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins and turtles surfacing in the shimmering water. The region is also home to rays, fish, and various sea birds, offering a rich viewing experience from December to June.

Pass by seven distinct islands along this remarkable stretch of coastline, each boasting its own natural charm and cultural significance, while our certified naturalists share engaging information about the wildlife, habitats, and the area's history.

The cruise combines serenity with the excitement of possible wildlife encounters, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and its preservation.

Commonly asked questions.

The Seven Island Ultimate Wildlife Cruise is a 2.5-hour eco-cruise through the sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Strait between Hervey Bay and K’gari. The cruise passes seven islands and offers opportunities to see dolphins, turtles, birds, rays and other marine wildlife.

The Seven Island Wildlife Cruise departs from Urangan Harbour at the Great Sandy Straits Marina. Check-in is at the Pacific Whale Foundation Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina.

The cruise travels past or around Round Island, Little Woody Island, Duck Island, Picnic Island and Big Woody Island, as well as cruising through areas including Pelican Bank and Moon Point. The sheltered route provides a variety of coastal and island scenery.

Wildlife sightings can include Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, Australian humpback dolphins, green turtles, dugongs, stingrays, fish and a wide variety of seabirds. Birdlife may include ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, gannets, Brahminy kites, terns and shorebirds.

Wildlife encounters are naturally dependent on the animals and conditions on the day, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, dolphins are among the documented wildlife sightings in the Great Sandy Strait, with both bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins regularly encountered in the region.

Yes. Green turtles are among the documented wildlife sightings in the Great Sandy Strait. Keep an eye on the water around the boat, particularly in the quieter and shallower sections of the cruise route.

No. The Seven Island Ultimate Wildlife Cruise is primarily focused on the wildlife and island environments of the Great Sandy Strait. It is different from Pacific Whale Foundation's dedicated whale-watching cruises, which operate during the humpback whale season.

Additional info by the operator.

This experience acknowledges the Butchulla people as Traditional Owners and custodians of these lands and waters. Their cultural stories and stewardship are part of the fabric of the Great Sandy Strait and surrounding areas. The operator is active in local conservation and research, supporting marine life and habitats since 1984. Please enjoy your cruise while helping protect the environment.