20 OCTOBER 2026
Tails, Breaches and a Few Surprises on the Whale Watch
There was plenty to keep our passengers watching the water on today’s Moonshadow-TQC Cruises whale watching adventures, with close encounters, spectacular surface activity and a little afternoon hide-and-seek.
Our morning sightings began south of Boondelbah Island, where we found three adult humpback whales and a calf travelling slowly north. With plenty of time at the surface and beautiful tail displays as they dipped beneath the waves, this group gave everyone a wonderful opportunity to watch. At one point, the whales ventured very close to our vessel, creating a memorable moment onboard.
The action continued as a large pod of common dolphins sped past, adding a burst of energy to the morning. We even caught a fleeting glimpse of a flying fish!
Near Fingal Island, another two adult humpbacks were spotted close to the rocky shoreline. This pair delivered an impressive display of tail slaps, breaches and head lunges, giving our passengers plenty of reasons to keep their cameras ready.
Our afternoon cruise brought a different pace, with two pods of adult humpbacks heading south. These whales certainly knew how to keep us guessing, showing off their breath-holding skills with some lengthy dives.
With both pods in view, we hoped to alternate between watching one group at the surface while the other was underwater. The whales had other ideas, treating us to some impressively synchronised diving instead! It was a reminder that every whale watching experience unfolds on the whales’ own schedule.
The swell was a little livelier during the afternoon, and some passengers felt the motion. Beautiful conditions welcomed us as we returned to the harbour, with one final surprise overhead: low-flying RAAF jets made a dramatic appearance, providing quite the wake-up call for anyone enjoying an afternoon nap.
From a calf cruising alongside the adults to energetic breaches and perfectly timed disappearing acts, today offered another memorable glimpse into life off the Port Stephens coastline.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography