18 OCTOBER 2026
Playful Calves and a Double Breach: A Beautiful Day of Whale Watching in Port Stephens
From a playful calf showing off against the backdrop of Fingal Spit to a spectacular double breach during the afternoon, Sunday brought some wonderful wildlife encounters for passengers aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises.
Morning Cruise: A Playful Calf Steals the Show
Our 10am whale watch began with beautiful conditions as we cruised through the Heads. A gentle rolling swell added a little movement to the ocean, and it wasn’t long before we located a mother and calf near the harbour entrance.
With a little patience, our passengers were rewarded with a delightful display. The calf launched into several breaches and kept us watching with plenty of tail slapping, sending splashes across the water. With Fingal Spit in the background, it was a memorable opportunity to spend time observing this pair.
The wildlife sightings continued as we explored further, spotting oceanic dolphins, another mother and calf, and a couple of seals frolicking in the distance near Cabbage Tree Island.
Afternoon Cruise: Two Whales, One Spectacular Moment
Approaching Little Island on our afternoon cruise, we encountered active humpback whales treating passengers to plenty of breaching.
The highlight was an extraordinary double breach from a pair of humpbacks – a thrilling moment as both whales broke the surface together.
Further offshore, we could see additional pods travelling more quietly, offering a change of pace after the action closer to Little Island.
After spending time with the whales, we turned towards home, where a pod of dolphins just inside the harbour provided a lovely finish to the afternoon.
Another Memorable Day on the Water. Every cruise brings a different experience, and Sunday delivered a wonderful mix of playful calves, spectacular humpback activity and encounters with dolphins and seals.
Thank you to everyone who joined Moonshadow-TQC Cruises to experience another beautiful day of whale watching in Port Stephens.