Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Port Stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and Moonshadow - TQC Cruises offer two great Whale Watching Cruise options lasting 2.5hrs. Departing from May to November from Nelson Bay, Port Stephens. You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a Humpback whale, upto 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays - spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and ... the breathtaking breach. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise - Two Cruises for the price of one! With great viewing decks you can rest assure you're getting the best view of these friendly giants. Get up close and personal with the Whales!
Inclusions
What's included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Live commentary on board
What's not
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Transportation to/from attractions
Itinerary
Join Moonshadow TQC onboard our 2.5hr Whale Watching cruise venturing out to the ‘Humpback highway’ during the annual Whale migration during May-November. Onboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer or the MV Osprey, you will have amazing viewing opportunities to see our Whales. You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and … the breathtaking breach. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary from your Captain. We also have the chance to see some Australian Fur Seals, Common & Bottlenose dolphins, and exploring some of our outer islands – multiple cruises for the price of one! With great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants. A fully licensed bar is available on board for beverages, and snacks
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.7
- 5102
- 419
- 34
- 22
- 10
Ratings come from 127 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Great experience to see the whales
After being rained out the prior day, wasn't sure how likely it would be to see whales. On the way out, saw 2 dolphins which was great. Captain and staff were wonderful telling us what to look for to find the whales. The captain was incredible finding the whales and then watching them breech several more times. Super informative made tis one of the highlights from my trip.
5Whale wonders
Wonderful. Once in a lifetime experience. Had the best time.
5Wonderful trip!
Wonderful experience. The crew were great and the captain really on it in terms of watching out for the whales and giving everyone a heads up. .
5Whale Watch 9 July 2026
Great excursion the vessel is wonderful. Knowledge of the skipper also great Our day was rough seas and the crew helped all those who were sea sick and there were a lot of them
5Whale of a Time in Port Stephens!
Fantastic whale watching experience with Moonshadow TQL! The whole trip was really well organised and the crew were friendly, knowledgeable and made the experience enjoyable from start to finish. Seeing whales up close in their natural environment was incredible and definitely the highlight of our Port Stephens trip. The crew shared interesting information throughout the cruise and worked hard to make sure everyone had a good viewing opportunity. The boat was comfortable and there was plenty of space to enjoy the views. Highly recommend for anyone visiting the area — such a memorable experience and we’d absolutely do it again!
5Whale Watching
The captain and crew had a great knowledge of the area and showcased Port Stephens amazingly.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. To avoid the risk of missing the cruise during peak times; please ensure you allow yourself ample time to find parking etc, we do suggest that you aim at arriving to the marina 30 - 45 minutes prior to boarding time of your cruise
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 150 travellers
- Operated by
- Moonshadow - TQC Cruises
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor sea conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Please note this is an ocean going cruise
- Baby prams are not permitted on board our vessels. Collapsible strollers are permitted but cannot be taken to areas other than the main cabin of the vessel, upon boarding our friendly crew will advise passengers on where the stroller may be stored.
- Please Bring: Comfortable casual clothing and footwear, Sunglasses, hat, Sun Cream, Camera. We recommend dressing warmer for winter months
- If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding seasickness medication.
How it compares in Newcastle
- Its from-price is 21% below the median of the 65 experiences we list in Newcastle.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 4 of 65.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Newcastle
Newcastle is a coal-port city at the mouth of the Hunter River in New South Wales, with surf beaches, ocean baths and a lighthouse on a long breakwater.
Newcastle began as a convict settlement in 1804 and grew around coal and, later, steelmaking, and its harbour is still among the largest coal ports in the world. The centre curves around the water, with Christ Church Cathedral on the hill and heritage buildings along Hunter Street. Nobbys Head, a headland topped by a lighthouse, is joined to the shore by a long breakwater, and Fort Scratchley, a nineteenth-century coastal fort, guards the harbour mouth.
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