Aqua Oasis Cruise FAQ's

 FAQ's
Will we land at K'gari (Fraser Island) or any other beaches throughout the cruise?

The Aqua Oasis Cruise is primarily a boat-based tour with most activities being conducted from the boat. Access to a landing spot on the beach is not always possible due to tides and weather, however, ideally on each cruise we would like to anchor close enough to the beach where is it a short swim/paddle or tender ride to the beach if possible.

Is there good snorkeling during the 'Aqua Oasis Cruise'?

As far as reef goes in Hervey Bay, there isn’t much of it, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a little look at life under the sea, occasionally we may have turtles, eagle rays or schools of bait fish around coffee rock or sunken logs that can be nice to look at.

Do you have snorkeling gear on board?

We have a small supply of masks and snorkels on board for guests to use, we don’t supply fins as snorkeling is to be conducted in close range to the anchored vessel and we don’t encourage deep diving or breath holding during this activity.

Are there Jelly fish in the water?

Yes, there can be jellyfish, most are harmless and leave only a slight irritation of the skin and easily fixed buy a quick splash of vinegar that we keep on board. There have been isolated reports previously of Irukandji Jelly fish in the area, usually reported closer to the creeks on the island, we do recommend long sleeve clothing for a bit of added protection if you are concerned about stingers. We are third generation locals here in Hervey Bay and we have never hesitated to swim in these areas in the past. 

Do you have floatation devices for those who are not confident swimmers?

Yes, we have a range of floatation devices on offer throughout the cruise, these range from toys and equipment to Australian standard Life vests.

Our regulated floatation devices include: The ships Life Jackets, Life rings, Carly Floats and water sports life vests Our unregulated floatation devices include: Floating Air dock, Water Carpet/mat, Stand Up Paddle boards and pool noodles.  We would encourage you to bring your own small Personal Floatation devices if you would like to, please refrain from bring large bulky blow-up pool toys that may easily blow away in the breeze and take up large amounts of deck space.

Are there sharks in the area? 

Yes, there can be sharks in the area, we are yet to see one while conducting shallow water swimming activities but there is always a chance as we are swimming in the ocean with no fences or cages and sharks are free to swim where they please. As always, you enter the water at your own risk and again as third generation locals we have never hesitated to swim in these areas.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Quick Cat II is completely wheel chair accessible around the entire main deck due to having ramps instead of stairs, unfortunately we don’t have a means for accessing the water or tender vessels for wheelchairs.

What is the access to and from the water?

Access to and from the water is via a ladder off the rear swimming platform, moderate physical ability/mobility is required to climb this ladder.

Are there strong ocean currents?

At times our tides are very strong sometimes up to 3-4 knots, this can make swimming difficult if you are not a strong swimmer, we do have safety precautions in place to help like the floating air dock and mat, as long as you are on one of these you have no need to worry about the currents, we also trail a long drift line off the rear of the vessel that you can hold on to if you start drifting away and pull yourself back to the boat, we also have floating aids like life vests, pool noodles, life rings and the motorized tender that is a rescue vessel. The current isn't always strong and try to avoid the current where possible.

How long is the scenic cruise to Kingfisher Bay Resort in the Morning to pick up guests?

It is approximately 30-45mins from the Great Sandy Straits Marina to Kingfisher Bay Resort. We will make a short stop at Kingfisher Bay Resort where we will tie up alongside the Jetty to load resort guests and then we will be on our way to our own little slice of paradise!

Does the Aqua Oasis Cruise include lunch or is there an additional cost for lunch?  

You have the option to include lunch at Kingfisher Bay Resort, K'Gari if you would like. Once you have purchased an Aqua Oasis + lunch @ K'Gari ticket, this includes your Aqua Oasis Cruise with a morning tea + refreshments on board Quick Cat II, lunch at The Sandbar Bistro (anything off the menu), 1 x Complimentary Drink & your return barge and bus back to the mainland.  

Are drinks included with lunch? 

Yes, 1 x Complimentary drinks is included. Additional drinks are to be purchased separately from the Bar.

What if I don't want to stop at Kingfisher Bay Resort for lunch?

No problem! You just need to book an 'Aqua Oasis ONLY' ticket and you will return to the Great Sandy Straits Marina at approximately 1:15pm after we drop our resort & lunch guests back to Kingfisher Bay Resort. 

How do we get back to mainland from Kingfisher Bay Resort? 

Return travel from the Island is with Kingfisher Bay Resort barges & buses, not Quick Cat II. You have a choice of either the 2:30pm or 5pm barge from Kingfisher Bay Resort to mainland (Riverheads), once on mainland you can catch the resort bus back to the Marina (where you started from) or back to your accommodation. Please note that Quick Cat II does not return back to Kingfisher Bay in the afternoon. The 5pm resort barge is the last boat to depart the Island, if you miss this departure time the only option for you is to book a room at the resort if available. Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Kingfisher Bay Resort take no responsibility if guests miss these departure times. Please ensure you are at the barge departure point (half way along the Kingfisher Jetty) 15mins prior to your departure time. 

How long does it take to travel from Kingfisher Bay Resort back to Mainland? 

Approximately 45 minutes on the resort barge to mainland (Riverheads) & the bus trip back to the Marina or your accommodation may vary depending on the resort bus drop off schedule. 

Are activities on the Island included?  

No, activities aren’t included. There are a range of different activities available at the resort including Segway Tours, Kayak Hire, Bushwalking and more. Once you have arrived at the Island you can check at reception for any activities available & the prices of these. 

How long do we get to spend on the island? 

Quick Cat II will drop you off at Kingfisher Bay Resort at approximately 12:30pm, you can then choose to depart on the 2:30pm or 5pm barge. 

What should we take with us to the Island? 

Hat, Sunscreen, Mozzie/Bug Spray, Water Bottle, Towel & Swimmers (if you wish to swim), Camera/Phone, Money. 

Is the resort wheelchair accessible?

*IMPORTANT: ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION - Please be aware that when you arrive at Kingfisher Bay Resort, guests should have a certain level of mobility to navigate sets of stairs, which may vary based on the tide level at the Jetty. Additionally, keep in mind that the return transfer to the mainland via the resort barge may also involve the use of stairs. Unfortunately, heavy power wheelchairs cannot be accommodated in these circumstances. However, we do accept light foldable wheelchairs and walkers.*