Saltwater Eco Tours
ProHighlights
- Cruises on Spray of the Coral Coast, a restored timber ketch with heritage listing, modelled on Joshua Slocum's Spray
- First Nations storytelling and native-ingredient canapés on the Bushtucker Cruise, led by a Kabi Kabi Traditional Owner
- Private charters of two to four hours for up to 32 guests, with live music, a licensed bar and a crew to host
About Saltwater Eco Tours
Saltwater Eco Tours is a locally owned Mooloolaba operator started by Sunshine Coast local Simon Thornalley, a man of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. He runs the business with Jenna, his partner, alongside Aunty Bridgette Chilli, a Traditional Owner of Kabi Kabi Country, and a small local crew. Every cruise sails on Spray of the Coral Coast, a restored 58-foot Huon pine ketch copied from the plans of the yacht Joshua Slocum took on his solo voyage around the globe. The two-hour sunset cruise brings a local musician, an individual grazing box, a welcome drink and a licensed bar. The Bushtucker Cruise serves a five-course pescatarian canapé menu built on native ingredients, with cultural storytelling and commentary on the river's history. Guided canoe tours, run with Undumbi Culture, take small groups upstream in painted two-person canoes, with adaptive equipment available. Groups can also take over the whole ketch as a private charter lasting two to four hours, with a skipper and crew looking after up to 32 guests. The site names milestone birthdays, hens, bucks and corporate charters, and the canoe tours suit team-building and social groups. Charter menus feature wild-caught fish and native flavours, the bar mixes cocktails with Australian botanicals, and you set the drinks tab. Send an enquiry with your date, group size and occasion.
Inclusions & amenities
Activity type
Price range (per person)
Setting
Ages
Pricing
A two-hour private charter starts at $1,200 in February to September and $1,400 in October to January, with catering, drinks and music quoted on top.
Food
Beverages
Availability
What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private charter cost?
A two-hour private charter of the ketch starts at ,200 in February to September and at ,400 in October to January, with room for up to 32 people. Food, the bar tab and a musician are priced on top, all set out in a single itemised quote.
How many guests can come on a private charter?
The standard limit is 32 guests, and up to 35 can be arranged for larger groups. The deck works for a seated gathering or for guests mingling with drinks and canapés as the boat moves along the river.
Can we bring our own food or drinks?
Your own food is welcome on a charter, and the crew will plate and serve it for per person. Drinks must come from the licensed bar on board rather than being brought along, but a birthday cake is always welcome and the crew will bring it up.
What is included on the guided canoe tour?
The tour is about 90 minutes paddling up the Mooloolah River with a First Nations guide, in two-person canoes with paddles and safety gear, followed by morning tea. It costs $120 per person, suits ages 12 and over, and needs between five and 11 people.
Do the cruises suit young children and older guests?
Yes. The sheltered Mooloolah River makes for gentle cruising rather than open sea, and infants up to two years old travel free on the sunset cruise. Mention any mobility needs in your enquiry so the crew can advise.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Mac
2 months ago
An exceptional experience from start to finish! The cruise was relaxed, and informative. Hearing the rich cultural history and local Indigenous stories while out on the water made it truly unique, and the hospitality an…
Colin Cassells
2 months ago
This was a really great way to see more of Mooloolaba and learn about aspects of the indigenous and more recent local history. Our hosts, Simon and Jenna, were gracious and welcoming. Simon's commentary was insightful. J…
Ange Melb
4 months ago
What a perfect way to end the day?! Everyone on board was really lovely, the music was chill and really set the mood for this lazy, relaxed and beautiful cruise. We loved the food pack and was great to accompany with d…
Jackie Lai
7 months ago
What a vibe! Went on the sunset cruise with live music, a big shout out to captain Daniel and the crew! Had so much fun, absolutely love the complimentary drink to kick us off the cruise. The musician Ria Richie was so g…
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