9 JUNE 2026
What a spectacular day it has been on the water, with today’s whale watching cruises delivering an unforgettable display from Port Stephens’ migrating Humpback Whales.
With glassy offshore conditions and only a gentle ocean roll, passengers aboard Osprey enjoyed near-perfect whale watching weather as Captain Harry guided the vessel out through the heads at Shoal Bay and towards Fingal Lighthouse in search of whale activity.
It didn’t take long to find our first pod of three Humpback Whales, followed shortly after by a second pod of two whales. Both groups were incredibly active, treating passengers to several close breaches as they launched their enormous bodies clear of the water before crashing back down in a spectacular explosion of whitewater. To make the experience even more exciting, additional pods could be seen further offshore, also putting on impressive breaching displays.
The afternoon cruise proved to be almost a carbon copy of the morning adventure. The first pod located consisted of two adult whales and one juvenile, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. The “breachathon” continued throughout the encounter, with repeated breaches keeping everyone on board captivated. Each leap was followed by the unmistakable thunderous splash as the whales landed back on the ocean’s surface, sending plumes of whitewater into the air.
Adding to the excitement, the crew reported at least four more whale pods visible throughout the afternoon, making it one of the busiest and most active whale watching days of the season so far.
Days like today are a fantastic reminder of why Port Stephens is one of Australia’s premier whale watching destinations. With the annual Humpback Whale migration well underway and whales continuing to travel north along our coastline, every cruise offers the opportunity for incredible encounters.
We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography