2 OCTOBER 2025

Whale tail splashing in ocean with a bird flying nearby under a clear blue sky.

Whale Watching Moonshadow TQC Cruises Port Stephens Lee Matthews

Humpback whale breaching water surface, splashing around in the ocean with shoreline in background.

Whale breaching in ocean near shore, with distant land visible in background.

Whale tail emerging from ocean near coastline, splashing water.

Two whales, possibly a mother and calf, swimming close together in the ocean.

Whale tail breaching ocean surface, splashing water, under clear blue sky.

Whale surfacing with head and fin visible above choppy ocean water.

This morning’s Whale Watch Cruise was nothing short of breathtaking! Under perfect conditions with crystal-clear water and calm seas, our passengers were treated to an action-packed display from multiple pods of Humpback Whales around the islands of Port Stephens. We encountered four individual pods, each made up of mothers, calves, and their escorts. Spending time with each group gave our passengers an incredible opportunity to see the full range of Humpback behaviours up close: Tail lobs echoing across the bay, Head lunges sending sprays of water skyward, Breaches and even double breaches, with both mum and calf leaping from the water in unison

It truly was a morning filled with energy and excitement as the whales showcased their strength and playful nature.

As if the whales weren’t enough, a few of our local seals made an appearance, basking and diving near the rocks. Off Yacaaba Island, a lively pod of oceanic dolphins rode the waves and swam alongside the boat, delighting everyone on board.

From start to finish, today was one of those cruises where the conditions, the marine life, and the sheer beauty of Port Stephens all came together.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography