Whale Sightings

Passengers aboard Hinchinbrook Explorer were treated to some unforgettable wildlife moments today on our Port Stephens whale watching cruises. The day began east of Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest, where two curious juvenile Humpback Whales mugged the boat for almost half an hour. Guests were captivated as these young whales circled and surfaced right…

Our first sighting of the day was a spectacular breaching Humpback Whale, launching out of the water before continuing on its southbound journey along the Humpback Highway. A little further offshore, we spotted a number of additional pods making steady progress south, content to cruise gracefully through the spring waters. Cabbage Tree Island also offered…

This morning’s whale watching cruise delivered plenty of excitement out on the water. Guests were treated to the sight of three pods of Humpback Whales heading south, putting on a spectacular show with breaches and powerful tail slaps. The energy on board was electric as these giants of the sea displayed their strength and playful…

Aboard MV Osprey today, passengers were treated to an active day on the water with plenty happening along the Humpback Highway. Several pods of Humpback Whales were spotted traveling north, while others could be seen further out making their way south. Near the headlands, we found whales putting on a show with spectacular…

This morning aboard MV Osprey, our guests enjoyed a memorable day along the Humpback Highway. Around five miles east of the island, we first sighted a pair of Humpback Whales travelling south. A little later, a different pair came in much closer to the vessel, giving everyone a great view as they cruised…

As winter drew to a close, our 10am Whale Watch Cruise offered a memorable mix of sightings across the Port Stephens Marine Park. We encountered two Humpback Whales traveling in opposite directions—one steadily heading north, the other moving south. While not overly active, both whales treated us to steady viewing with sounding dives lasting around…

Port Stephens delivered an unforgettable day on the water, with both morning and afternoon whale watching cruises showcasing the true unpredictability and magic of the Humpback Highway. Our morning departure encountered a pod of four energetic whales engaged in a heat run, powering northbound as part of their migration. Guests were treated to the thrill…

Today’s cruise brought us a little game of “hide and seek” with our migrating Humpback Whales. While they seemed more interested in staying hidden than letting us seek them out, Port Stephens’ other incredible wildlife was more than happy to step into the spotlight. Around Cabbage Tree Island, our playful fur seals were lounging and…

Today aboard MV Osprey, our guests were treated to one of those unforgettable experiences that makes whale watching in Port Stephens so extraordinary. We spent quality time with three curious Humpback Whales who decided to check us out as much as we were watching them. The whales mugged the vessel, circling…

After being land-locked for several days due to weather and sea conditions, Moonshadow-TQC Cruises was finally back out on the water today—and what a rewarding return it was! Not far from Little Island, we encountered a pair of humpback whales making their way north. Unlike the competitive and energetic…

There’s something special about being out on the water, especially during whale season here in Port Stephens. This morning, our crew was greeted by two northbound Humpback Whales who spent a generous amount of time on the surface, offering a calm and memorable sight. Just 500 meters away, another pod was spotted, though these whales…

Its a beautiful sunny day in Port Stephens today and our morning cruisers got to spend some time with a mother and her very newborn calf.  Mum was showing off her calf to our passengers as she lifted it to the surface.  They were happy just to gently glide through the ocean and enjoy the…