Visit Fraser Coast

Blue Dolphin Marine Tours

Official Partner

Sail the calm waters of Hervey Bay beside World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) on intimate eco-cruises that bring you closer to whales and dolphins, without the crowds. [1] **Small-group, eco-friendly sailing with an expert skipper for unforgettable wildlife encounters year-round.** [1][3] Blue Dolphin Marine Tours runs award-winning, small-passenger adventures aboard an 11.6‑metre luxury sailing catamaran, backed by over 35 years’ marine mammal experience. Expect face-to-face commentary, wide decks, hydrophone listening and WiFi on board, with a maximum of 24 guests for superb viewing and comfort. Tours depart from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, with courtesy pick-up/drop-off available. [1][3][9][11][2] Their signature full-day Exclusive Whale Encounter operates mid July to late October, with the rare opportunity to view a humpback via an in‑water platform when conditions allow. Morning tea, lunch (with a drink) and afternoon tea are included, giving you an unhurried day on the Bay. [9][1] Outside whale season, join the half‑day Dolphin Eco Adventure (November–July) to spot dolphins, turtles and dugongs, with the chance to swim or try boom netting during Summer months. Or unwind on a 90‑minute Champagne Sunset Sail (November–June) — a stunning way to finish your day in Hervey Bay. [1][3][17][8] What tours run, and when? Blue Dolphin operates year-round: full‑day whale encounters mid July–late October; half‑day Dolphin Eco Adventure November–July; and 90‑minute Champagne Sunset Sail November–June. Private charters are available all year. Check availability and seasonal times direct with the operator. [9][3][5] Where do tours depart, and how do I get there? Trips depart the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, Hervey Bay. A courtesy bus offers pick‑up and drop‑off from your accommodation — just confirm at booking. Arrive a little early to meet the crew and settle in on the wide, stable decks. [2][3] How comfortable and eco‑friendly is the vessel? The 11.6 m luxury sailing catamaran features wide, flat decks with undercover seating, spacious amenities, hydrophone audio and WiFi. Small groups reduce impact and enhance wildlife interactions, while sailing prioritises low environmental footprint. [11][9][3] Why choose a small-group whale tour? With numbers capped at 24, you enjoy uncrowded rail space, personal commentary from an expert skipper and longer time with the whales — plus the unique in‑water viewing platform when conditions suit. It’s an intimate, respectful experience on the Bay. [9][1] Good to know Tours operate to weather; the operator may cancel for safety. For mobility needs, note the vessel’s wide decks and seating and contact the team to discuss access. [13][11] Browse and click through to the operator website to check dates and book your Fraser Coast sailing experience. [5]

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Tours & experiences

  • Blue Dolphin Marine Tours

    Trade crowds for a relaxed small‑group sail across Hervey Bay's sheltered waters beside K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). **Sail on a luxury catamaran with low passenger numbers for intimate whale and dolphin encounters, led by a multi‑award‑winning eco operator.** Blue Dolphin Marine Tours runs year‑round experiences from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan. From mid July to late October, join a full‑day whale encounter with a maximum of 24 guests, wide decks for unhurried viewing, a hydrophone to listen underwater, and the chance to try an in‑water viewing platform. Outside whale season, choose a half‑day Dolphin Eco Adventure (November to July) or a Champagne Sunset Sail (November to June). WiFi is available onboard and a courtesy bus pick‑up can be arranged. What makes Blue Dolphin's whale experience special? Enjoy a full day on an 11.6‑metre sailing catamaran limited to around 24 guests, so you can linger with humpbacks at your own pace. Your skipper shares over 35 years' experience with marine mammals, and onboard hydrophones let you listen in. Your whale tour fare covers all meals throughout the day — morning tea, a sit‑down lunch with a complimentary drink, and afternoon tea — so you can focus entirely on the wildlife. When should you go, and what will you see? Whales visit mid July to late October for unforgettable close encounters. From November to July, the Dolphin Eco Adventure seeks out pods of bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins, with chances to spot turtles and dugongs. In summer, weather permitting, you may swim or try the aqua mat and boom netting near the island's sandbanks. Where do tours depart and how do you get there? All tours depart the Great Sandy Straits Marina at Urangan, Hervey Bay. There's free all‑day parking at the marina, and a courtesy bus is available for accommodation pick‑ups and drop‑offs. Once aboard, you'll cruise the calm waters between Hervey Bay and K'gari's western shore. What comforts and facilities are onboard? Expect wide, flat decks with plenty of undercover seating, a spacious modern bathroom, 240v power and free WiFi. The vessel is fully licensed, with onboard payment facilities. Low passenger numbers mean great views for everyone, and plenty of room to move around safely and comfortably. Can you book private charters? Yes. Private sailings are available year‑round for celebrations and special events, with flexible catering options and exclusive use of the vessel. It's a classic Queensland day on the water, tailored to your group. FAQs When is the best time for whale watching with Blue Dolphin? Hervey Bay's whale season runs from mid July to late October. This is when the full‑day Exclusive Whale Encounter operates, offering extended time with humpbacks, low passenger numbers and onboard hydrophones to enrich your experience. What tours operate outside whale season? From November to July, join the half‑day Dolphin Eco Adventure to look for bottlenose and Australian humpback dolphins, with the chance to swim or boom net in summer (weather permitting). A 90‑minute Champagne Sunset Sail runs November to June for golden‑hour views across the bay. Where do tours leave from, and is parking available? Tours depart the Great Sandy Straits Marina, Urangan. There's free all‑day parking at the marina, and a courtesy bus can collect you from local accommodation. Boarding and safety briefings take place at the marina before you set sail. How many people are on board? Blue Dolphin limits numbers to a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring an intimate experience with space to move and unhurried wildlife viewing from wide, flat decks. This small‑group approach is a hallmark of their award‑winning eco tours. What's included on the whale tour? The full‑day whale experience is fully catered — you'll be looked after with morning tea, a hearty lunch accompanied by a complimentary drink, and afternoon tea. You'll also have access to a hydrophone to listen to marine life and, when conditions allow, the chance to try an in‑water viewing platform for a unique perspective.