2 NOVEMBER 2026
What a way to start a Monday morning! Passengers aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises enjoyed a memorable wildlife encounter, with a humpback whale and her tiny calf, bow-riding dolphins and a couple of seals all making an appearance.
We located the humpback mother and calf near Cabbage Tree Island. The calf’s very light colouring caught our attention, and it appeared to be a very recent arrival—a special sight for everyone on board.
With good sea conditions providing excellent viewing, we cruised at the pair’s gentle pace as they slowly travelled towards the lighthouse at Fingal Island. Both whales appeared relaxed and spent plenty of time at the surface, giving passengers a wonderful opportunity to watch them moving together.
There is something captivating about seeing a mother whale alongside her young calf. Their unhurried journey gave everyone time to appreciate the encounter and take in the beautiful coastal surroundings.
The excitement continued with two visits from a large pod of Common Dolphins during the cruise. Swimming alongside us and riding the boat’s bow wave, they gave passengers a lively, close-up view of life on the move.
To round out the morning, we also spotted a couple of seals in the water at the western end of Cabbage Tree Island.
From a tiny humpback calf to energetic dolphins and seals, it was a wonderful reminder of the variety of marine wildlife found off Port Stephens.
Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises for your next day on the water—you never know what the ocean might have in store. Every cruise is different, and wildlife encounters like these make each journey special.
Photo Credit: Lee Matthews Photography