Whale Sightings

What a spectacular day on the water here in Port Stephens! With the sunshine sparkling on the sea, our passengers were treated to the sight of so many Humpback Whale mums and their calves making their way south on their great migration.

Highlights of the Day

• Cabbage Tree Island Encounters
  Several pods were cruising leisurely past Cabbage Tree Island, taking their time as they continued south. Mothers and calves travelled closely together, enjoying the calm conditions and staying close to the coastline.

• Logging Mum and Calf at Fingal Bay
  Another pair of Humpbacks were sighted “logging” near Fingal Bay. Logging is a behaviour where whales rest at the surface of the water, appearing almost like giant logs floating on the sea. It’s a fascinating and peaceful moment to witness – the whales conserve their energy by remaining still, while still surfacing to breathe.

• Activity Offshore
  Our crew also reported plenty of whales further offshore. While today’s sightings were less about playful surface activity and more about calm, steady travelling, it was still an incredible reminder of the sheer number of whales passing Port Stephens at this time of year.

Not every day is about big breaches and tail slaps – sometimes the magic lies in watching these gentle giants simply cruise, rest, and bond with their calves as they make their way home to Antarctic waters.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography