21 SEPTEMBER 2026
Today’s Whale Watch Update: Mothers, Calves and Spectacular Surface Activity. The southern migration is delivering some wonderful encounters aboard Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, with humpback mothers and calves becoming a regular highlight of our daily whale-watching cruises.
The waters beyond the Port Stephens headlands—between Fingal Island and the more northerly Cabbage Tree and Boondelbah islands – provide a relatively sheltered area where mothers and their young calves can pause and rest during their long journey south.
On this morning’s cruise, we had barely ventured beyond the headland near Shoal Bay when we encountered a beautiful mother-and-calf pair. Seeing these whales travelling together is always a special experience, as the calves continue to grow stronger and learn from their mothers along the migration route.
Nearby, another adult humpback was spotted closer to Fingal Island Spit. This whale treated passengers to an impressive display, rolling onto its back and repeatedly slapping its long pectoral fins against the surface. Each powerful pec slap created the distinctive sound that can carry across the water – a thrilling moment for everyone onboard.
As we continued away from the harbour entrance, we discovered another adult humpback near Boondelbah Island, with several more pods visible in the distance.
With mothers and calves now moving through our local waters and plenty of activity offshore, every cruise brings the possibility of a memorable new encounter. No two whale watches are ever the same, and we cannot wait to see what the next journey reveals.
Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises and experience the spectacular humpback whale migration in the beautiful waters of Port Stephens.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography