Whale Sightings

Our cruise today began with a stop at Cabbage Tree Island, where 15 fur seals were spotted basking lazily on the sun-warmed rocks. Always a delight to see, the seals set the perfect tone for what turned into an unforgettable day on the water.

Not long after, excitement reached new heights when we encountered five adult Humpback Whales. From the moment they appeared, their curiosity was unmistakable. These magnificent giants circled the MV Osprey, swimming gracefully around and even beneath the vessel, offering passengers a breathtaking view of their immense size and beauty.

As our Cruise Director Cami described, at one point “the whales’ tails were so close you could almost reach out and touch them.” It was a heart-stopping moment of connection with the wild that had even our experienced crew in awe.

While two of the whales eventually glided away into the distance, three remained with us for nearly 30 magical minutes, slowly circling and surfacing, as if putting on a private performance for those onboard. Passengers were left speechless, cameras clicking in every direction, and smiles as wide as the ocean itself.

Days like today remind us of the sheer wonder of the Humpback Highway here in Port Stephens – encounters that inspire, connect, and leave lasting memories.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography