Whale Sightings

Today’s cruise brought plenty of excitement – though the whales certainly made us work for it! Out to sea, an impressive six to eight pods of Humpback Whales were moving through the area. True to the term “elusive giants,” many of these pods were diving for long stretches at a time, testing the patience of our crew and passengers before resurfacing for brief but rewarding encounters.

The highlight of the day was found in the sheltered waters off Fingal Island, where we were able to spend quality time with a mother Humpback Whale and her calf. The calmer seas around the island provided the perfect backdrop for observing this tender pair. Guests enjoyed watching the calf rise alongside its mother, each surfacing a reminder of the intimate bond between the two.

Though the whales kept us guessing with their long down times, the combination of offshore pods and a peaceful mother-and-calf encounter ensured another memorable day on the Port Stephens Whale Highway.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography