19 JUNE 2026
From the moment we arrived offshore for this morning’s cruise on MV Osprey, it was clear that the migration was in full swing. Everywhere we looked, there were whales. In fact, passengers were treated to an incredible 350-degree panorama of whale activity, with blows, backs, and splashes visible in almost every direction around the vessel. It was one of those rare days where the challenge wasn’t finding whales—it was deciding which whales to watch! Just off Fingal Lighthouse, we encountered two energetic juvenile humpback whales that quickly became the stars of the show. For approximately 30 to 45 minutes, the pair treated passengers to an almost continuous display of surface activity. Breaches erupted without warning as the young whales launched themselves clear of the water, followed by powerful tail slaps that echoed across the ocean. The excitement continued with head lunges and several curious spy hops, allowing the whales to lift their heads above the surface and seemingly take a look at their audience.
As if the whale action wasn’t enough, our adventure continued with a visit to Cabbage Tree Island. Here, we were delighted to spot four Australian fur seals relaxing on the rocks. The seals appeared perfectly at home, basking in the sunshine and providing another wonderful wildlife encounter to round out the day.
The excitement reached another level during our afternoon Whale Watch Cruise aboard MV Osprey, where guests were treated to an incredible heat run involving an estimated 20–25 Humpback Whales. The ocean was alive with activity both above and below the surface, as multiple whales competed for position, creating an unforgettable display of power and agility. Frequent breaching, surface activity, and close interactions kept passengers captivated throughout the cruise.
Adding to the excitement, we also encountered a playful pod of Oceanic Dolphins and observed seven Australian Fur Seals relaxing on Cabbage Tree Island, providing guests with an incredible variety of marine wildlife sightings in a single afternoon.
Passengers travelling aboard Envision with Aquamarine Adventures were equally rewarded, witnessing a stunning combination of whale behaviours including spectacular breaching, energetic head lunges, and powerful pectoral fin slaps. Set against the backdrop of our beautiful islands and rugged coastline, the constantly changing cloud cover and afternoon light created breathtaking scenes as we followed the whales north along their migration route.
The shifting weather conditions produced some of the most dreamlike photographic opportunities of the season so far, with layers of light, sea, and coastline combining to create truly memorable moments for everyone on board.
With whale numbers continuing to increase and activity levels remaining high, conditions are shaping up for an exceptional whale watching season. Every day brings something different on the Humpback Highway, and today’s encounters were a fantastic reminder of why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations.
We look forward to welcoming more guests aboard soon to experience these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
Whale sightings today: 20–25 Humpback Whales
Additional wildlife: Oceanic Dolphins and 7 Australian Fur Seals
Highlights: Heat run, breaching, head lunging, pectoral slapping, and incredible photography conditions
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography