12 OCTOBER 2025
Our Sunday morning in Port Stephens began with calm seas and an equally relaxed start from the local wildlife. Multiple pods of southbound Humpback Whales were sighted during the first cruise of the day, gliding peacefully through the pristine waters. Their unhurried pace set the tone for a tranquil start to the day—proof that even the world’s largest mammals appreciate a slow Sunday morning.
Adding excitement to the early cruise, a huge pod of Offshore Common Dolphins was spotted close to Cabbage Tree Island. Guests watched in delight as these energetic dolphins leapt out of the water in synchronised bursts, their sleek bodies glistening in the morning light.
Meanwhile, aboard Envision Whale Watch Express, passengers also began their morning with a relaxed encounter alongside a Humpback mother and calf. Just when it seemed the pair were content to cruise quietly, the calf decided it was time to play—launching into a spectacular sequence of forward-facing breaches that had everyone on deck cheering.
The afternoon cruise aboard Envision took the excitement up another notch. What started as a calm day quickly turned into a “breachfest,” with Humpbacks launching themselves out of the water in all directions. It was a thrilling display of strength and agility that left passengers in awe.
But the true highlight came as the vessel returned to port—hundreds of Oceanic Dolphins surrounded the boat, leaping, rolling, and playing for as far as the eye could see. It was an unforgettable finale, a joyful reminder of the abundant marine life that calls Port Stephens home.
Join us this spring for your own encounter with these incredible animals aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises—where every day on the water brings a new and unforgettable story.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography