Whale Sightings

It has been an extraordinary day on the water for our Moonshadow-TQC Cruises passengers, with spectacular humpback whale activity, hundreds of offshore dolphins and some familiar local wildlife making appearances throughout the day.

Our morning Whale Watch Cruise began with an exciting encounter involving a large pod of six or seven humpback whales engaged in a competitive heat run. The energetic males were putting on an impressive display as they competed for dominance, head lunging and ramming into one another as they powered through the water.

Passengers were also treated to several beautiful tail flukes as the whales dived beneath the surface.

The excitement continued when more than 100 offshore common dolphins suddenly appeared alongside MV Osprey. The dolphins raced through the water and surfed the pressure wave created by the vessel’s bow – an incredible sight for everyone onboard.

As we passed Cabbage Tree Island, we spotted two Australian fur seals relaxing in the sunshine. A pod of our resident Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins then welcomed us near the entrance to the harbour as we cruised back towards Nelson Bay.

Our afternoon cruise delivered another memorable encounter, this time with a playful pod of five humpback whales.

The whales entertained our passengers and crew with an impressive variety of surface behaviours, including tail lobbing, spy hopping and powerful pectoral fin slaps.

One large humpback added a spectacular finishing touch by breaching behind MV Osprey. After its dramatic leap, the whale continued on its journey, leaving the remaining four whales to keep everyone onboard entertained.

To complete an incredible final day of winter, we again spotted two seals enjoying the sunshine at Cabbage Tree Island, followed by a pod of bottlenose dolphins swimming around the base of Yacaaba Headland.

From competitive heat runs and a spectacular breach to playful dolphins and sunbaking seals, it was a truly unforgettable day of wildlife encounters in Port Stephens.

Every whale-watching cruise is different, and today was a wonderful reminder that you never know what remarkable sights are waiting beyond the heads.

Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography