Whale Sightings

After several days of being landlocked due to unfavourable sea conditions, we were thrilled to see the swell ease and sunshine return for Saturday’s Whale Watch Cruises aboard Hinchinbrook Explorer.

Heading through the headlands at Shoal Bay, our crew soon located two adult humpback whales. After spending some time observing the pair, we discovered they had a very special travelling companion – a calf!

The mother appeared to be travelling with another adult female escort. The trio spent plenty of time at the surface, giving passengers some wonderful views. The curious calf occasionally ventured away from the adults and swam surprisingly close to the vessel.

The morning’s wildlife encounters didn’t end there. A pod of offshore common dolphins raced past at speed, offering passengers exciting glimpses as they zoomed through the water.

On our return journey, we cruised alongside Jimmys Beach and found a pod of local Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins – a perfect way to finish the morning.

By the 1:30 pm cruise, the swell had dropped even further and multiple pods of humpback whales were spotted.

We encountered three southbound pods, including another group travelling with a calf – our second calf sighting of the day. Surprisingly, we also spotted a northbound pod, reminding us that migrating whales don’t always follow the expected travel plans!

The afternoon cruise arrived back at the marina a little later than scheduled, but for a very good reason. Near Boondelbah Island, a pod of whales began travelling across the vessel’s path. Our captain slowed and waited patiently while the whales continued safely on their way before returning to d’Albora Marina.

After several days ashore, it was wonderful to be back on the water – and what a spectacular day of wildlife encounters to welcome us back!

Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and experience the excitement of the humpback whale migration in beautiful Port Stephens. Every cruise is different, and you never know what might appear next.