Whale Sightings

There’s no better way to spend a sunny Sunday than out on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, exploring the beauty of Port Stephens and searching for whales along the Humpback Highway.

Our morning cruise treated guests to several sightings of Humpback pods, but today the whales were feeling a little elusive. With longer sounding dives and unpredictable movements, they kept our crew on their toes, playing a game of hide-and-seek beneath the surface. Just as we began our return journey, the morning wrapped up with a spectacular surprise — a massive pod of our resident Bottlenose Dolphins at Mt Yaccaba, leaping and surfing in the sunshine to the delight of everyone on board.

The afternoon cruises were a complete contrast. We had barely passed the Shoal Bay headland before encountering several pods of Humpback mums and their calves cruising southbound. The young calves were especially energetic, showing off with playful breaches and head lunges, much to the delight of our passengers. These heart-warming displays are a highlight of the spring migration and a reminder of just how special this time of year is in Port Stephens.

With sunshine overhead, curious whales in the bay, and dolphins joining the fun, today has been another memorable day on the water. If you haven’t yet experienced whale season with us, now is the perfect time to book your cruise and witness these unforgettable encounters.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography