12 JULY 2026
The westerly winds certainly made their presence felt yesterday, but for those who joined us on the water, the conditions were well worth it. Nature delivered an unforgettable display of humpback whale behaviour that reminded everyone why whale watching in Port Stephens is such a remarkable experience.
Our guests were treated to the excitement of competitive pods—one of the most thrilling behaviours seen during the humpback whale migration. A competitive pod forms when several males pursue a single female, each trying to outmanoeuvre the others for the chance to become her escort and potentially mate.
The energy on the water was incredible. As these magnificent whales raced through the ocean, they delighted everyone onboard with spectacular breaches, powerful tail lobs, and dramatic pectoral fin slaps. Every surfacing brought another moment of excitement, with cameras clicking and cheers echoing across the deck.
The wildlife encounters didn’t stop there. As we cruised around the stunning headlands of Mt Yaccaba and made our way back into Port Stephens, we were welcomed by some of our favourite local residents—the beautiful Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins. Seeing these playful dolphins alongside the migrating humpbacks was the perfect way to round out an already incredible day on the water.
Every whale watching cruise is unique, and yesterday was another wonderful reminder that nature always has something special in store. We can’t wait to see what today’s adventure will bring!
We’d love to welcome you onboard to experience the magic of the humpback migration for yourself. Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises this season and discover why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s most spectacular places to witness these gentle giants in the wild.
Photo credit: Lisa Skelton. Photos taken onboard Envision