15 SEPTEMBER 2026
Today’s whale-watching cruises delivered two very different encounters with the Humpback Whales visiting the waters off Port Stephens.
During the morning cruise, Captain Harry described the Humpback Whale sighting as a game of hide-and-seek. The whale remained elusive, completing long, deep dives that made predicting where it would surface next quite challenging. While it was a quieter encounter, it demonstrated the unpredictable nature of observing whales in their natural environment.
The afternoon cruise brought a welcome change of pace. Near the northern tip of Fingal Island and the historic Fingal Lighthouse, passengers spotted a Humpback mother travelling with her young calf.
The energetic calf stole the show, repeatedly breaching and launching itself out of the water, creating a memorable display for everyone onboard.
From long sound dives to playful breaches, today’s encounters highlighted how much whale activity can vary throughout the day. We look forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!
Whale sightings and behaviour vary daily, making every cruise a unique wildlife experience.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography