Whale Sightings

The 2026 whale season has officially begun for Moonshadow-TQC Cruises – and what an incredible start it was!

Passengers aboard the very first Whale Reconnaissance Cruise were treated to an unforgettable day on the water as excitement and anticipation filled the air from the moment the day began. Port Stephens awoke beneath a blanket of fog, creating a mysterious and magical atmosphere across the bay. As the morning progressed, the fog slowly lifted to reveal brilliant blue skies just as the MV Spirit of Port Stephens made her way beyond the headlands of Shoal Bay.

It didn’t take long for the action to begin.

Crew members soon reported spotting multiple whale blows in every direction – a thrilling sign that the whales had truly arrived for the season. The ocean was alive with activity, and passengers eagerly scanned the horizon in anticipation of the next encounter.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Near the iconic Fingal Head Lighthouse, a lone Humpback Whale launched itself clear from the water in an incredible breach, leaving passengers and crew in awe. What followed was an extraordinary 40-minute encounter as the whale repeatedly breached, splashed, and displayed playful behaviour around the vessel.

In a truly unforgettable moment, the whale approached close to the boat and even swam directly beneath the MV Spirit of Port Stephens, giving passengers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of these magnificent marine giants.

Day one of the 2026 whale season has left both passengers and crew absolutely buzzing and full of excitement for what promises to be an incredible season ahead in Port Stephens.

If this first reconnaissance cruise is anything to go by, the whales are back – and they are ready to put on a spectacular show.