22 OCTOBER 2025
Quiet Conditions but Beautiful Wildlife Encounters Offshore
Today’s Whale Watch Cruise took us quite a way offshore before we found our whales — it was a calm and peaceful journey across the blue. After some patient searching, we were rewarded with a Humpback mother and her calf, and the little one delighted everyone onboard with a surprise breach!
On the way out, passengers spotted a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins gliding through the harbour, setting the tone for a fantastic day on the water. Out near Cabbage Tree Island, around half a dozen Fur Seals were seen resting on the rocks, soaking up the sunshine. We also came across a large pack of Common Dolphins, racing through the waves and riding our bow wake — a truly spectacular sight.
Although the whales were quiet and further offshore today, the mix of wildlife encounters — from dolphins to seals to a breaching calf — made for a wonderful Port Stephens adventure.
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography