18 JULY 2026
Despite a gentle offshore swell today, our morning Humpback Whale Watch Cruise aboard Hinchinbrook Explorer was rewarded with an incredible morning on the water.
As we ventured beyond the headlands, passengers were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Mount Tomaree, with its impressive natural landscape and historic man-made structures standing proudly above Port Stephens. As Fingal Island came into view, so did our first humpback whales.
Multiple pods were spotted throughout the morning, and with every plume of mist rising from a whale’s blowhole, the anticipation grew as everyone wondered what these magnificent animals would do next. We spent time observing these incredible marine mammals as they continued their annual migration north to warmer waters.
Excitement reached new heights when several whales lifted their enormous tails high into the air, almost as if they were waving to everyone on board. We were also fortunate to witness a number of spectacular breaches in the distance. Although some were a little too far away for us to approach, they were still an unforgettable sight and gave passengers a true appreciation of the power and grace of these magnificent giants.
As we made our way back through our spectacular headlands into the calmer waters of Port Stephens, we received the perfect farewell when a pod of our resident bottlenose dolphins appeared to escort us home, delighting passengers with their playful behaviour.
The action didn’t stop there. Our afternoon Whale Watch Cruise proved to be just as rewarding, delivering one of those rare wildlife encounters that passengers will be talking about for years to come. Throughout the afternoon, humpback whales were highly active, with frequent breaching displays keeping everyone on deck in anticipation of what would happen next.
The highlight of the afternoon came with the incredibly rare sight of two humpback whales breaching almost simultaneously. Seeing these enormous animals launch themselves clear of the water together is an extraordinary experience and a reminder of just how special every whale watching cruise can be. The repeated breaching throughout the afternoon created an electric atmosphere on board, with cameras clicking and cheers echoing across the water after each spectacular display.
With active humpback whales, multiple pods, countless breaches, the unforgettable sight of double breaching whales, and our friendly resident dolphins providing the perfect send-off, today was another outstanding day on the water. Experiences like these are what make whale watching in Port Stephens so memorable – every cruise offers something unique, and today delivered wildlife encounters that will remain with our passengers long after they returned to shore.