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Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise

118 Reviews 4.76 out of 5 stars Based on 118 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 97% of reviewers
97% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Newcastle, Australia
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from $65.06 per person

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MSTQC Whale Hero Shot
Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise Image 2
Hinchinbrook w/ Whale breach
Humpback Whale
Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise Image 5

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Port Stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and Moonshadow - TQC Cruises offer two great Whale Watching Cruise options lasting 2.5hrs.

Departing from May to November from Nelson Bay, Port Stephens.

You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a Humpback whale, upto 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! 

Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays - spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and ... the breathtaking breach. 

Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise - Two Cruises for the price of one! 

With great viewing decks you can rest assure you're getting the best view of these friendly giants.

Get up close and personal with the Whales!

What's Included

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Live commentary on board
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Transportation to/from attractions
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Dock C
D’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

Moonshadow-TQC Cruises Boarding

Join Moonshadow TQC onboard our 2.5hr Whale Watching cruise venturing out to the ‘Humpback highway’ during the annual Whale migration during May-November. Onboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer or the MV Osprey, you will have amazing viewing opportunities to see our Whales.You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and … the breathtaking breach.Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary from your Captain. We also have the chance to see some Australian Fur Seals, Common & Bottlenose dolphins, and exploring some of our outer islands – multiple cruises for the price of one!With great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants. A fully licensed bar is available on board for beverages, and snacks
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2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Baby prams are not permitted on board our vessels. Collapsible strollers are permitted but cannot be taken to areas other than the main cabin of the vessel, upon boarding our friendly crew will advise passengers on where the stroller may be stored.
  • Please Bring: Comfortable casual clothing and footwear, Sunglasses, hat, Sun Cream, Camera. We recommend dressing warmer for winter months
  • If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding seasickness medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

(8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-55194P6

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.76
118 reviews

Average 4.76 out of 5 stars based on 118 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

5 stars
96
4 stars
18
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 32 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax).
  • Live commentary on board.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase).
  • Transportation to/from attractions.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Live commentary on board
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Transportation to/from attractions

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor sea conditions, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
  • Please note this is an ocean going cruise
  • Baby prams are not permitted on board our vessels. Collapsible strollers are permitted but cannot be taken to areas other than the main cabin of the vessel, upon boarding our friendly crew will advise passengers on where the stroller may be stored.
  • Please Bring: Comfortable casual clothing and footwear, Sunglasses, hat, Sun Cream, Camera. We recommend dressing warmer for winter months
  • If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding seasickness medication.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
  • Operated by a business

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  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Destinations and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
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  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Destinations.
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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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Cool Rewards

  • Cool Rewards is a loyalty program operated by Cool Destinations. Rewards may be earned by any eligible person holding a Cool Destinations account, subject to the Cool Destinations customer Terms of Use.

Earning rewards

  • Rewards can be earned by making bookings on the Cool Destinations website. You will be able to see the value of the rewards you can earn during the booking process.
  • Earned rewards will be issued in a pending state and will move to a confirmed state 24 hours after the start time of the experience.
  • Earned rewards will be available to redeem once they are no longer in a pending state.
  • For bookings that are moved to a different travel date, the rewards will be redeemable after the amended travel date.
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Redeeming rewards

  • To redeem rewards, you must be logged into your Cool Destinations account.
  • Any available rewards will be automatically applied the next time you make a booking, and their value will be deducted from your order at checkout, unless you choose not to apply them, which requires you to indicate this via the toggle switch. Bookings made using rewards are subject to the standard Cool Destinations Customer Terms of Use.
  • You will not be able to redeem only a portion of your available rewards at checkout. It is only possible to redeem all or none of your available rewards.
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  • By earning and redeeming rewards, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, as well as any subsequent changes made to them.