Great Sandy Marine Park, Turtle Discovery & Cultural Ecotour
Overview
We are the only Indigenous experience in Hervey Bay and the only tour in town that will take you on a journey to explore the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park through the eyes of a Butchulla man.
Our Milbi vessel is also the most steady of the bay, our itinerary was designed so we cruise smooth waters only, slowly. Our boat has glass panels to enjoy the coral reefs from the comfort of your warm clothes if you do not wish to snorkel, this is the only glass bottom boat in Hervey Bay and one of the largest of Australia.
As we ensure you have a relaxing time on board, you will enjoy four hours of marine adventures. Snorkelling equipment is provided to enable you the ultimate experience of coming face to face with the infinite wonders of the marine park. You are likely to see fish habitat amongst the coral reef, turtles, dolphins, sea bird colonies, and possibly a reef shark or dugong. Time is set aside to explore Round Island and enjoy a healthy lunch and snacks.
Our Milbi vessel is also the most steady of the bay, our itinerary was designed so we cruise smooth waters only, slowly. Our boat has glass panels to enjoy the coral reefs from the comfort of your warm clothes if you do not wish to snorkel, this is the only glass bottom boat in Hervey Bay and one of the largest of Australia.
As we ensure you have a relaxing time on board, you will enjoy four hours of marine adventures. Snorkelling equipment is provided to enable you the ultimate experience of coming face to face with the infinite wonders of the marine park. You are likely to see fish habitat amongst the coral reef, turtles, dolphins, sea bird colonies, and possibly a reef shark or dugong. Time is set aside to explore Round Island and enjoy a healthy lunch and snacks.
Inclusions
- Coffee and/or Tea
- All activities
- Local Indigenous guide
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- National Park fees
- Snorkelling Waiver sign online: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/jjk7f4t3xw2xlmxxsufrcc/web/
- Lunch
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Great Sandy National Park, Great Sandy National Park, Fraser Coast, Queensland
We depart the Marina with no set itinerary, we travel with what the tides, weather and wildlife have to offer on the day. Our top priority is to offer the best experience for you to spot wildlife, snorkel, enjoy and relax. We stop at one or all three islands: Weenandin (Round Island), Tooliewah (Big Woody Island) and Pelican Banks. Here you will be received by a warm Welcome to Country and you will enjoy a healthy lunch. A unique cultural experience not to be missed while in Hervey Bay.
Duration: 4 hours
Pass By: Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast, Queensland
You will see the iconic pier of Hervey Bay while cruising on board of the Milbi. Enjoy the scenery of the bay, learn its Butchulla history directly from your Indigenous guide, all through beautiful Dremtime stories.
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Great Sandy National Park, Great Sandy National Park, Fraser Coast, Queensland
We depart the Marina with no set itinerary, we travel with what the tides, weather and wildlife have to offer on the day. Our top priority is to offer the best experience for you to spot wildlife, snorkel, enjoy and relax. We stop at one or all three islands: Weenandin (Round Island), Tooliewah (Big Woody Island) and Pelican Banks. Here you will be received by a warm Welcome to Country and you will enjoy a healthy lunch. A unique cultural experience not to be missed while in Hervey Bay.
Duration: 4 hours
Pass By: Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast, Queensland
You will see the iconic pier of Hervey Bay while cruising on board of the Milbi. Enjoy the scenery of the bay, learn its Butchulla history directly from your Indigenous guide, all through beautiful Dremtime stories.
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Stroller accessible
- Vegetarian / Vegan option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Service animals allowed
- All participants will be required to complete a waiver prior to snorkelling/swimming. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from snorkelling, please consult your doctor
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Bathroom facilities aboard (not wheelchair accessible) but not baby-changing facilities
- Pram accessible
- Snorkeling waiver must be signed.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 28 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
rmnixon32
April 2021
Had a fabulous experience with Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours! The gorgeous weather made the day sparkle. A traditional welcome to country on Pelican Island, snorkelling and the glimpse of turtles and marine life... a highlight! Highly recommend!!
Had a fabulous experience with Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours! The gorgeous weather made the day sparkle. A traditional welcome to country on Pelican Island, snorkelling and the glimpse of turtles and marine life... a highlight! Highly recommend!!667kristif
October 2021
Such a fun day. The weather wasn't great apparently but we had a ball. Saw turtles, stingrays, fish, birds and amazing shells and corals. Joe entertained us with his lifetime/family stories and James was very informative with info on the local wildlife. A heathly lunch and a cold cider topped it ...
Such a fun day. The weather wasn't great apparently but we had a ball. Saw turtles, stingrays, fish, birds and amazing shells and corals. Joe entertained us with his lifetime/family stories and James was very informative with info on the local wildlife. A heathly lunch and a cold cider topped it all off. Highly recommendedJoshua H
October 2021
Will, Jimbo and Amber made everyone feel welcome and had lots of great local knowledge. Our kids loved exploring Woody Island and snorkeling at Round Island. We had a great day and highly recommend you take a trip on 'Milbi'.
Will, Jimbo and Amber made everyone feel welcome and had lots of great local knowledge. Our kids loved exploring Woody Island and snorkeling at Round Island. We had a great day and highly recommend you take a trip on 'Milbi'.Lancedavies
March 2021
Great day out and awesome friendly guides that made the day for all of us. The sand Island was stunning, and snorkeling was also great. Well worth it! Cheers
Great day out and awesome friendly guides that made the day for all of us. The sand Island was stunning, and snorkeling was also great. Well worth it! CheersScottyc74
October 2021
Took the turtle discovery tour as a family with 2x 10 year olds. Unfortunately the team's indigenous guide had a family emergency and was unable to provide the cultural aspects but they were very proactive in calling early in morning to let us know and offered a number of options including deferm...
Took the turtle discovery tour as a family with 2x 10 year olds. Unfortunately the team's indigenous guide had a family emergency and was unable to provide the cultural aspects but they were very proactive in calling early in morning to let us know and offered a number of options including deferment, a cultural walk or refund. This was really appreciated. The team on board were great Captain Will, Jimbo and Amber. Will and Jimbo really knew their stuff and were great with kids. The weather wasnt so great so we couldn't travel too far but crew made most of it. Experience is good for young kids and for introducing them to snorkeling. Lunch was good and fruit platter was a hit. Sadly we couldn't make the cultural walk the following day but would really recommend these guys when looking for a day tour and something different from usual whale watching trips.Yvonne M
September 2021
What a great experience. From the welcome to country from Dinka Dinka to the wonderful gentle way he tells his Dreamtime stories. Teaching us how to say a few environmental butchella words, such a gentle soul. The skipper a quiet but hugely knowledgeable person when you get him chatting and love ...
What a great experience. From the welcome to country from Dinka Dinka to the wonderful gentle way he tells his Dreamtime stories. Teaching us how to say a few environmental butchella words, such a gentle soul. The skipper a quiet but hugely knowledgeable person when you get him chatting and love his choice in his happy music, which got us all clapping and a few dancing! The peaceful nature of the tour mixed with the excitement of spotting marine life, we were exceptionally lucky to catch a glimpse of two turtles mating. Not every day is the same which is what make you go back time and time again! Remember Dinka has time off so check he will be on board. The snorkelling is fabulous we were lucky to have a sunny and clear water day, everything fell into place, with the low tide helping us to see through the water and observe the 84 species of coral that live in the bay. If you expect to ride a turtle, stroke a dolphin you need to go to seaworld!’ This tour is real life and real magic 💖