19 OCTOBER 2026
Double Breaches and Close Encounters: A Memorable Day with the Humpbacks
What began as a quiet morning off Port Stephens turned into an action-packed day of whale watching for passengers and crew aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, with competitive males, spectacular breaches and an unforgettable encounter beneath MV Osprey.
Our first sighting of the morning was near Boondelbah Island, where a lone humpback whale was taking long sounding dives, spending extended periods beneath the surface. After patiently watching this whale, we left it to continue its journey and headed north towards Broughton Island in search of more activity.
It wasn’t long before our crew spotted a pod of three humpbacks: two males and a female. The pace quickly changed as the encounter developed into a “heat run”, with both males competing for the female’s attention. Much of the action unfolded beneath the water as the trio moved together, giving our morning passengers an exciting glimpse into humpback courtship.
And the excitement was far from over.
Passengers joining our 1:30pm cruise aboard MV Osprey were treated to a spectacular afternoon offshore. On the southern side of Boondelbah Island, we encountered another pod of three humpback whales and cruised alongside them as they travelled towards Fingal Island Lighthouse.
These whales put on quite a display. A stunning double breach saw two whales launch out of the water together, followed by pectoral fin slaps, more breaching and an inquisitive spy hop, with one whale lifting its head above the surface for a look around.
Then came the moment that made an already remarkable afternoon truly unforgettable.
All three humpbacks approached MV Osprey, swimming beneath the boat and giving our passengers an extraordinary close encounter. After watching so much activity at the surface, seeing these magnificent whales move below us was a breathtaking change of perspective.
It was a memorable day on the water for everyone aboard, and a wonderful reminder of how quickly a quiet morning can become something extraordinary.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography