A sea turtle swims near the surface of bright blue ocean water in Hervey Bay, with its head above the waterline whilst dolphins cruise nearby through the Great Sandy Strait.
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Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait Island – Dolphins & Turtles Cruise

from A$100
2 hours 30 mins
Hervey Bay
Free Cancellation (48 hours prior)

Cruise the sheltered Great Sandy Strait from Urangan Harbour, weaving past seven islands between the Fraser Coast and K'gari. Watch for Australian humpback and bottlenose dolphins, green turtles and dugongs from water level seats, with a certified naturalist explaining every sighting. Local Bundaberg brewed drinks and a freshly baked cookie are served on board.

  • A sea turtle swims near the surface of bright blue ocean water in Hervey Bay, with its head above the waterline whilst dolphins cruise nearby through the Great Sandy Strait.
  • A white and blue whale-watching tour boat with passengers moves through calm blue water near a sandy shoreline with trees in the background, exploring the pristine Hervey Bay area.
  • A small white tour boat floats on clear turquoise water near a sandy island with sparse trees under a blue sky, offering a Dolphins Cruise through the serene Great Sandy Strait.
  • Three dolphins swim at the surface of a blue ocean, with their dorsal fins and backs visible above the water—an enchanting scene often witnessed on a Dolphins Cruise through Hervey Bay or the Great Sandy Strait.
  • A sea snake with a patterned body swims on the surface of bright blue ocean water in the Great Sandy Strait, where encounters like this are just one highlight of a Hervey Bay Dolphins & Turtles Cruise.
  • A black and white cormorant swims in a calm, blue body of water near the Great Sandy Strait, with its head and neck visible above the surface.
  • A sea turtle swims near the surface of bright blue ocean water in Hervey Bay, with its head above the waterline whilst dolphins cruise nearby through the Great Sandy Strait.
  • A white and blue whale-watching tour boat with passengers moves through calm blue water near a sandy shoreline with trees in the background, exploring the pristine Hervey Bay area.
  • A small white tour boat floats on clear turquoise water near a sandy island with sparse trees under a blue sky, offering a Dolphins Cruise through the serene Great Sandy Strait.
  • Three dolphins swim at the surface of a blue ocean, with their dorsal fins and backs visible above the water—an enchanting scene often witnessed on a Dolphins Cruise through Hervey Bay or the Great Sandy Strait.
  • A sea snake with a patterned body swims on the surface of bright blue ocean water in the Great Sandy Strait, where encounters like this are just one highlight of a Hervey Bay Dolphins & Turtles Cruise.
  • A black and white cormorant swims in a calm, blue body of water near the Great Sandy Strait, with its head and neck visible above the surface.

Quick read before you book.

  • Seven islands in one loop, finishing at the Big Woody Island lighthouse
  • Two dolphin species, including the vulnerable Australian humpback dolphin
  • Green turtles and dugongs grazing the seagrass meadows
  • Ospreys, sea eagles and migratory shorebirds over Pelican Bank
  • Calm, sheltered water that suits families and first timers

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.7 Stars|261 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket for the breeze out on the bay.

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Included in this tour.

  • Guided wildlife cruise through the Great Sandy Strait, about two and a half hours
  • Commentary from certified naturalists
  • Local Bundaberg brewed drinks
  • A freshly baked cookie from The Bakers Room Artisan Bakery

Commonly asked questions.

Check in at the Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, where boarding opens 30 minutes before departure. There is free parking at the marina, plus cafes for a coffee before you board.

It is a summer cruise, running in the warmer months when dolphins, turtles and dugongs are most active in the strait, and it does not operate during whale season from July to October. Check the booking calendar for exact dates and departure times.

The captain decides on the day, and if your cruise is cancelled for weather you receive a full refund. The strait is sheltered by K'gari, so the water is usually calm.

Cancel more than 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Bookings cancelled within 48 hours are non refundable.

The cruise suits children aged 6 and over, with child rates for ages 6 to 12; for children aged 3 to 5, call Pacific Whale Foundation on 1800 454 310 before booking. The tour is not recommended if you are pregnant or have neck or back concerns.

The vessel cannot take wheelchairs because of its design and the stepped gangway at Urangan Harbour. Guests with limited mobility are welcome, with a low side boarding gate, handrails, crew to help you on board and a full size toilet.

Wear flat, closed shoes and bring a jacket, sun protection and a camera; drones are not allowed. Leave glass and single use plastic at home, and see our Australia packing list for the rest.
Humpback whales visit Hervey Bay from July to October, so this summer cruise focuses on dolphins, turtles, dugongs and birds instead. Our whale watching season guide explains when to book a whale cruise.

More about this tour.

Between the Fraser Coast and K'gari lies the Great Sandy Strait, a sheltered run of seagrass meadows, mangroves and low islands where dolphins and turtles feed close to the surface. This summer cruise with Pacific Whale Foundation loops through it from Urangan, linking Round Island, Pelican Bank, Little Woody, Duck, Picnic and Big Woody Islands, with a stop at the Big Woody Island lighthouse.You sit in covered, forward facing seats at water level, which puts you close to Australian humpback dolphins and Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphins as they work the shallows. Green turtles surface for air, and dugongs, stingrays, ospreys and white bellied sea eagles are all regular sightings across the strait.The certified naturalists on board are part of a research charity that has worked in Hervey Bay since 1984, so the commentary goes beyond names: what the animals are doing, why the seagrass matters, and how the foundation's research helps protect them. Local Bundaberg brewed drinks and a freshly baked cookie keep you going between sightings.This is the warm weather partner to the Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watch, which runs from July to October. If you like slow, wildlife focused travel, our guide to eco tours in Australia has more trips in the same spirit.Explore the route, check availability for your dates, and book your seats on the strait.

Additional info.

  • Check in at the Ocean Store, Shop 1, Great Sandy Straits Marina, Urangan, 30 minutes before departure.
  • This cruise runs in the warmer months only, so check the calendar for dates.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen and a light jacket.