Cruise the Great Sandy Straits, a water wonderland of wildlife!
Great Sandy Straits: Seven Island Ultimate Wildlife Cruise STARTS 2 January
Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait are a dream come true for anyone who loves wild places—especially those captivated by island landscapes, birdlife, and the chance to spot dolphins and turtles along the way.
Join us for a relaxed 2.5 hour cruise, a scenic journey through the sheltered, shimmering waters between the Fraser Coast and K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. This remarkable stretch of protected coastline is dotted with seven unique islands, each with its own natural beauty, cultural stories, and rich history.
As we cruise the calm, clear waters, keep your eyes peeled for pods of bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins, and for turtles surfacing quietly for a breath of air. Along the way, you may also encounter an assortment of sea birds, rays, fish, and other marine life that call this region home from December to June.
Our certified naturalists will share fascinating insights into the lives of these remarkable animals, the importance of their habitats, and the conservation and research efforts led by Pacific Whale Foundation Australia—actively working in Hervey Bay since 1984.
This cruise is the perfect blend of serenity and excitement—where every moment brings the possibility of a magical marine encounter.
What to Bring
-No glass containers - they can break and cause injuries.
-Avoid plastic wrappers and single-use plastics - bring reusable containers instead.
-Pack eco-friendly items -reusable bottles, biodegradable packaging, and cloth bags are encouraged
-Secure your belongings - ensure nothing can blow overboard
We acknowledge the Butchulla people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands and waters of our beautiful region. We pay our respects to their Elders – past, present, and emerging.
Together we can enjoy the cruise while protecting the environment!
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Rates
***Regular price***
**Adult:** $90.00
Child (13 & under): $65.00
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Check-in
30 minutes prior to departure
Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina
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Booking Notes
#Check-in and directions
**Pacific Whale Foundation Australia Ocean Store
Please check-in 30 minutes prior to your departure time at Pacific Whale Foundation Eco Adventures Australia's Ocean Store - Shop 1 at the Great Sandy Straits Marina Terminal (17 Buccaneer Drive, Urangan, 4655).
Free parking is available in the carpark nearest to Breakfree Resort on Buccaneer Dr, Urangan.
Proceeds go towards supporting Pacific Whale Foundation Australia's ocean research, education and conservation projects.
What to Bring
Camera, hat and sunglasses. We also recommend bringing a spray jacket and something to keep you warm as it could be wet or cold. We do sell ponchos, bags, long sleeve t-shirts, hoodies, hats, sunglasses and beanies in our Ocean Store.
Conditions on the water are usually comfortable, but if you’re prone to motion sickness or unsure how you’ll go, we recommend taking travel sickness medication 30 minutes before departure.
We hope you enjoy your travels and we look forward to welcoming you onboard the Ocean Defender to experience world-class whale watching in Hervey Bay, the world's first Whale Heritage Site.
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#Book a second trip!
**Book a second trip with us for a 20% discount!**
*Click the button below to redeem your discount!*
[](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/pacificwhaleoz/?sheet=77132)
Cancellation Policy
Reservations are non-refundable and changes are not permitted within 48 hours of scheduled trip. Check-in for boarding at least 30 minutes prior to departure time. No-shows are non-refundable. Not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with neck or back concerns. All activities are at your own risk. No liability, expressed or implied, rests with Pacific Whale Foundation, or its subsidiaries or officers. Pacific Whale Foundation reserves the right to reschedule or cancel due to weather, sea state or other circumstances.
