Catamaran, Swim With Whales

Fraser Island (K'gari): Remote Island and Whale Experience runs through Tasman Venture. Rated 4.9 across 503 reviews. Runs 9 hours. From A$269.

Overview

A nine-hour day with Tasman Venture packs two very different halves into one trip: whale encounters on the water and beach time on the remote western side of K'gari. The boat is a 20-meter catamaran that carries a limited number of passengers, and the listing describes the tour as intimate and personalized. Cruises depart from Hervey Bay, with hotel pickup from dozens of locations around town included in the fare.

The day starts with a cruise along the Great Sandy Strait, where dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds and even dingoes on the shoreline can appear while morning tea is served. The whale watching is the headline act. There is also an optional whale immersion experience in a controlled environment, subject to conditions on the day.

Later, an amphibious watercraft drives straight onto the beach so passengers reach the island without getting wet. At Wathumba Creek, and then Awinya or Bowarrady Creek, the choices include snorkeling with turtles, kayaking, tubing, beach walks and a sand dune climb. A buffet lunch is served on the boat, with afternoon tea to follow, before a relaxed cruise back to Hervey Bay Marina.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupCoach pickup from a wide range of Hervey Bay accommodation and meeting points, arranged at booking.
2. Coach to the marinaA 30-minute bus or coach transfer to the departure point.
3. Cruise the Great Sandy StraitA 45-minute boat cruise toward K'gari, with wildlife spotting along the way.
4. Whale watching and island timeAround six hours of whale watching, guided walks, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and beach activities, with a buffet meal served onboard. The whale immersion is optional and subject to conditions.
5. Return cruiseA 45-minute cruise back across the Great Sandy Strait.
6. Coach transfer and drop-offA 30-minute coach ride, with drop-off at Hervey Bay accommodation or meeting points.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help set expectations before booking this one.

• Bring swim gear. The listing asks for swimwear and a towel. Kayaking, tubing, snorkeling and swimming are all on the table, so packing for water is not optional.
• Food is covered. Morning tea, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea are all included, and reviewers repeatedly describe the food as plentiful and good.
• Crew commentary. Several travellers single out the crew's knowledge and friendliness as a highlight. Expert commentary runs throughout the day, not just during the whale watching.
• Whale sightings vary. Some reviewers reported seeing well over a dozen whales in a day, including repeated breaches. Sightings and behaviour differ day to day, and the immersion is subject to conditions.
• Long day out. With the coach transfers, cruises and island activities combined, this is a full nine-hour day. Plan accordingly for a long time out from your accommodation.
• Weather matters. Tours can change or cancel due to weather, with a full refund guaranteed in that case. One reviewer had poor weather but still enjoyed the island time, so the day is not written off by grey skies.

Common issues. The whale immersion is optional and depends on conditions on the day, and some travellers would like clearer information on when the snorkeling with whales is actually offered. Weather can force changes or cancellation, though a full refund is guaranteed in that event. The operator also reserves the right to substitute another vessel, with a refund available if the substitute is not suitable. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on board. One reviewer noted unhelpful weather on their day, though the island activities still went ahead.

Before You Book Anything