12 OCTOBER 2026
A Whale Watch Monday to Remember on MV Osprey
Beautiful conditions, spectacular humpback encounters and a playful calf stealing the show – Monday delivered an unforgettable day on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises.
AMAZING is the word that best describes our morning Whale Watch Cruise aboard MV Osprey. And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, our 1:30pm cruise delivered a completely different encounter that was every bit as special.
Morning excitement: dolphins and dramatic whale activity
With stunning weather and beautiful cruising conditions, our morning began with bottlenose dolphins spotted as we headed out past Yacaaba Headland. A wonderful start – and there was plenty more to come.
Further out, we encountered a mother humpback whale travelling with her little calf. Before long, three adult humpbacks joined the pair, and the pace of the encounter changed dramatically.
What followed appeared to be a competitive encounter, often called a “heat run”, with the adults showing intense interest in the mother. With her calf alongside her, the interaction made for remarkable viewing from the deck of MV Osprey.
The surface activity picked up as the whales moved around one another, giving passengers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of these wild animals. It was an exhilarating morning and a memorable encounter for everyone onboard.
Afternoon magic: a little calf takes centre stage
Our 1:30pm Whale Watch Cruise brought a quieter beginning, followed by a spectacular surprise.
Near Cabbage Tree Island, we came across another mother humpback and her calf resting at the surface. With very little movement from either whale, we began to move away – until the calf suddenly became active.
And what a performance followed!
The little whale breached, rolled around at the surface and slapped its pectoral fins against the water. As MV Osprey drifted nearby, passengers watched the calf’s playful antics unfold alongside its mother. At times, the whales approached the vessel themselves, treating everyone to close views of this special pair. Seeing such a young whale full of energy was a wonderful contrast to the morning’s dramatic encounter.
A seal adds to the show
The afternoon’s wildlife highlights didn’t end with the whales. At Cabbage Tree Island, we also spotted a seal in the water tossing a fish around – another entertaining moment on a day already filled with memorable sightings.
Two cruises, two extraordinary experiences
From dolphins at the headland to energetic humpback interactions and a calf’s afternoon display, Monday was a wonderful reminder of how different every whale watch cruise can be.
These are wild animals in their natural environment, so sightings and behaviour vary each day. That sense of anticipation is part of the magic: you never know what the next encounter will bring.
Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises for a Whale Watch Cruise from Nelson Bay and discover what’s happening out on the water. Your own unforgettable moment could be just beyond the headlands.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography