22 JUNE 2026
What an incredible day on the water! We are now well and truly in the peak of the northern migration of Humpback Whales, and today’s sightings have been nothing short of spectacular.
Our morning cruise headed straight offshore where we quickly encountered a pod of three Humpback Whales consisting of a mother, her calf from last season, and an escort whale. The pod cruised leisurely from Little Island towards Bennetts Beach at Hawks Nest, providing our passengers with over 30 minutes of unforgettable whale watching.
The whales were incredibly active throughout the encounter, delighting everyone on board with powerful breaches, tail slaps, pectoral fin waves, and plenty of surface activity. Adding to the excitement, a pod of Common Dolphins joined the action, weaving effortlessly amongst the whales and creating a truly magical wildlife experience.
As if that wasn’t enough, the whales then made a direct approach towards Moonshadow-TQC’s vessel, giving passengers our first whale “mugging” of the season! The curious whales spent time investigating the boat, surfacing close by and taking a good look at the excited faces lining the decks. These close encounters are always a privilege and provide a remarkable insight into the inquisitive nature of these magnificent animals.
The afternoon cruise continued the excitement. Heading out past Shoal Bay, our crew spotted multiple pods of Humpback Whales between the Lighthouse and Boondelbah Island. Several groups, ranging from three to six whales, were observed throughout the area, including a number of playful juveniles.
The ocean was alive with activity. Full breaches, half breaches, rolling whales, pectoral fin slaps, and constant surface behaviour made it feel as though there were whales in every direction. Once again, Common Dolphins appeared amongst the whales, creating another incredible wildlife interaction.
To top off an already extraordinary day, MV Osprey experienced a second mugging! This time a pod of six large adult whales surrounded the vessel, surfacing beside the bow, alongside the boat, and behind us. Passengers and crew were treated to an unforgettable close-up encounter that will be talked about for years to come.
Days like today remind us why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations. With the migration now reaching its peak, the opportunities to witness these breathtaking displays continue to improve each day.
If you’ve been thinking about joining us for a whale watch cruise, now is the perfect time. The whales are here, and they are putting on an unforgettable show!