28 August 2026
It was another great day out on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, with both humpback whales and our local bottlenose dolphins making an appearance!
Today we encountered two humpback whales travelling north along the Port Stephens coastline. We were lucky enough to spend some time travelling alongside the pair, enjoying a relaxed encounter as they continued their journey.
One of the whales even treated everyone onboard to a fantastic tail slap, always an exciting sight and a great reminder of just how powerful these incredible animals are.
As we made our way back towards Port Stephens, there was another surprise waiting for us near Yacaaba Head. We found some of our local bottlenose dolphins, giving passengers the chance to enjoy two of Port Stephens’ most iconic marine species in the one cruise.
Conditions today was a little rolly once we headed offshore, but otherwise conditions were pleasant, with winds remaining relatively light.
Sea conditions eased beautifully for this afternoon’s whale-watching cruise aboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer, providing passengers with an exciting afternoon of wildlife encounters.
The cruise began with the sighting of two humpback whales travelling together. Both whales were highly active, treating everyone onboard to an impressive display of surface behaviour. Passengers enjoyed spectacular views of pectoral-fin slapping and waving, powerful peduncle throws and repeated tail slapping.
Midway through the encounter, a third humpback whale crossed the path of the pair before continuing independently.
The excitement continued when a pod of common offshore dolphins joined the vessel and began bow riding. These fast and agile dolphins gave passengers a close-up view of their incredible swimming abilities as they raced alongside the Hinchinbrook Explorer, effortlessly riding the pressure wave created by the vessel.
As we cruised back into the bay and began our journey home, we were welcomed by a pod of our local Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins – the perfect conclusion to an action-packed afternoon on the water.
With active humpback whales, energetic offshore dolphins and our much-loved resident Port Stephens dolphins all making an appearance, this afternoon’s cruise delivered an unforgettable showcase of the diverse marine wildlife found along the Port Stephens coastline.
Photo Credit: Lee Matthews Photography