9 OCTOBER 2026
What an incredible day on the water with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises! Our morning whale watching adventure began near Boondelbah Island, where we encountered our first group of humpback whales before heading towards Fingal Island to discover three more humpbacks travelling north, treating passengers to impressive tail and pectoral fin slaps. Continuing towards Bennetts Beach, we encountered a mother and calf heading south, putting on a spectacular display of breaching and tail slapping! As an added bonus, a large pod of common dolphins joined the excitement, while a visit to Cabbage Tree Island revealed six seals swimming and relaxing on the rocks!
Our afternoon cruise was just as spectacular! Near Boondelbah Island, we encountered two humpback mothers and their playful calves frolicking in the water. The youngsters certainly stole the show with incredible breaches and double tail slaps, delighting everyone on board! Continuing towards beautiful Fingal Island, we enjoyed another wonderful whale encounter, accompanied by a particularly curious seal swimming around our vessel, seemingly determined to steal the spotlight!
To top off an unforgettable day, our resident bottlenose dolphins joined us on the journey home, playfully riding the bow wave as we cruised back through the iconic Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. With playful whale calves, spectacular surface activity, curious seals and our much-loved dolphins, Port Stephens is certainly delivering some incredible marine wildlife encounters! Every cruise brings something different, and there’s no better time to experience the magic of whale watching with Moonshadow-TQC Cruises!
Photo credit: Lee Matthews Photography