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All cruise bookings can be made online through this website or by visiting our office at 40a Victoria Parade Nelson Bay.
Please see below
Book your cruises below.
There is 1 Dolphin Discovery 1.5hr cruises running today at 10.30am
There are 2 Envision Whale watch Express 1.5hr cruise running today at 11am & 1.30pm
There are 2 Whale Watching 2.5hr cruise on Moonshadow-TQC running today 10am and 1.30pm
There is 1 Whale Watching 3hr cruise on Imagine running today at 10.30am
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry is running today at 8am, 11.30am & 3.30pm
Scroll down to see details
Today's Cruises (click black buttons▶️ below to read more & book online) .
Moonshadow-TQC Dolphin Discovery 1.5hr cruise
(twist & twirl slide - boom net)
26 metre (85’) catamaran
Licensed for 300 guests
3 decks with main deck, cocktail deck and sun deck
Stage and dance floor
State of the art underwater live video cameras
Boom net and twist and twirl slide
10.30am and 1.30pm
Whale Watch Express 1.5hr
We get you up close & personal with the very best of Port Stephens has to offer. We move quickly, but safely & smoothly through the water, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the beautiful Marine Park. We'll also be on the lookout for pods of Oceanic Dolphins, you may have the chance to see penguins, sea birds, seals and much more.
Highlights
Whale Guarantee - if you don't see whales, a 'Standby-by Free Return Voucher' will be issued. Valid for 12 months from date of issue
What to bring
● Don't forget to bring your wind jacket
More Info
● This is an offshore cruise and is not suitable for children under 4 years
● If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding sea sickness medication
● This is an offshore excursion and is subject to weather and sea conditions
Whale Watching
Get up close and personal with the 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.
Get up close and personal with the whales! 2.5hrs.
What's included
Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and the cruise includes bonus dolphin and outer island cruising - two cruises for the price of one! With two vessels to choose from and great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants.
A fully licenced bar is available on board for beverages, and snacks.
What to bring
Comfortable casual clothing & footwear
Sunglasses, hat & sun cream is recommended
Camera
Dress 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 sea sickness medication
Restrictions
NOTE: Food and drinks are NOT permitted to be bought on board.
Disclaimers
Please be advised that social distancing is to be adhered to at all times while boarding and while onboard
Stand-by vouchers will be issued at Crew discretion if Whales are not sighted on your cruise. Conditions Apply
Should a cruise not operate for any reason passengers will be offered an alternative day of travel or a refund will be authorised. Tentative bookings are are on request only. Enquire with our office
At the time of booking a cruise, you must pay for it in full.
STANDARD CRUISES
100% cancellation charge – within 24hrs of departure time
Travel Voucher or Refund – with more than 24hrs notice of departure time
PRE-BOOKED CATERED CRUISES
100% cancellation charge – within 24hrs of departure time
50% cancellation charge within 48hrs of departure time
A travel voucher or refund with more than 48hrs notice of departure time
A fee of $10 may be charged to cover administration costs for any booking amendments.
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable unless approved by Moonshadow TQC
Imagine 3hr Whale Watching Cruise
Join us as we spend time with the incredible Humpback Whales, watching them swim and play!
* Whale Guarantee
* Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew
* Informative Commentary
* 360° Viewing
* Complimentary Tea & Coffee
* Licensed Bar
3 Hour duration - Daily from Mid May - Early November
* All cruises subject to sea conditions * Minimum numbers apply
The Original Tea Gardens Ferry
Take a trip back in time and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere and scenic views as you are taken across the bay and up the Myall River for a lunch or early sunset Cruise and see why 'Kerry from the Ferry's' dream was not so crazy after all.
Pets welcome
Food and drink welcome
Departs Nelson Bay- 8.am, 11.30am and 3.30pm
Housekeeping rules for cruises.....
Please arrive at the cruise you are going on, at least 20 mins before departure
To receive the seniors discount for dolphin cruises you must be able to show an Australian Seniors card or pension card, on boarding.
Please check your tickets to see which dock your cruise leaves from. If you're still unsure, CLICK HERE
The dolphin and whale watch booking agency is on Wharf 1.
All our cruises have snack bars with snacks and drinks available to purchase
NO prams, food, drinks or pets are allowed on any of the Moonshadow cruises
Prams ARE allowed on the Imagine Cruises
Animals are NOT allowed on any of the dolphin cruises EXCEPTION is a service dog which you MUST be able to show papers for, before boarding.
Prams, food, drink & pets ARE allowed on the Original Ferry to Tea Gardens. The large Tea Gardens Ferry is wheelchair accessible
End of today's cruises.
(They do not wait for late boarders, so plan ahead and give yourselves 15 mins leeway)
Click here to see all other daily
activities that we book for.
Please note: Family tickets comprise of any two adults and two children 4-14yrs
All Infants 0 - 3 must be included in numbers and pay a small amount
(between $7.50 and $16.50 depending on cruise)
First dolphin cruise every day departs at 9.30am and last dolphin cruise departs at 3.30pm
(weather dependant)
Speciality Island cruises - BOOK NOW!
All Island Cruises
See the amazing Port Stephens islands
Gift Certificates for Cruises
Dolphin Watch Express 1 hr cruise
'Envision’ moves through the water quickly, but safely and smoothly – you’ll want your camera handy as we cruise along beautiful Shoal Bay, past our iconic Headlands and across to ‘Dolphin hot-spot Jimmy’s Beach.
Relaxed – Personalised – Crowd-Free!
Chat with our Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew
Enjoy 360° viewing
Hear some Interesting & Informative Commentary
Baby prams, strollers are not permitted onboard the vessel
11.am & 2.00pm
Port Stephens 3.5hr Snorkel Cruise
Our fast and comfortable 40ft power cat Envision will take you on a thrilling and fun ride on the water, with a small group of guests for a personalised and crowd-free experience. We will choose the best snorkel destination on the day, depending on the weather and sea conditions. (The decision may not be made until just prior to departure)
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Port Stephens and have an ocean adventure of a lifetime. Book your Port Stephens snorkelling tour today and get ready for some unforgettable memories.
Qualified snorkel guide, with local knowledge
We can supply masks, fins & snorkels – or you are invited to bring your own. If required a full set of snorkel gear/wet suit is available to hire from Feet First Five, 97 Stockton St, Nelson Bay.
10.00am only
Whale Reconnaissance & Outer Island Cruise 2.5 hrs
Cruise on the humpback highway as the whales begin their northern migration along the Port Stephens coastal line.
Join us in search of the first whales of the season onboard the MV Osprey for our 2.5 hour Whale Reconnaissance and Outer Island tour.
Cruise the offshore waters of Port Stephens, exploring scenic Outer Islands like Cabbage tree and Boondelbah, while keeping watch for migrating whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds.
A thrilling blend of discovery and nature.
From Saturday 10th May through to 23rd May (Inclusive)
Imagine Cruises
Relax in the dry bow-net, hang on tight for a ride in the boom-net, or give yourself a ‘Titanic’ thrill at the end of the bow sprit. They’ll hoist the sails if conditions permit, while you relax and experience the best that the Bay has to offer.
Dolphins Guaranteed:
free return trip for no sightings360° viewing
Friendly & knowledgeable crew
Bring swimmers for a ride in the boom net.
11.30am & 1.30pm
Dolphin Watch and Eco Adventure 1.5hr cruise
24 metre (78’) catamaran
Licensed for 145 guests
2 decks with unobstructed 360 degree viewing
Completely enclosed all-weather cabin with extra large windows
Fully licensed bar
Built and designed for eco-cruising and sustainability in mind.Our Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure explores off shore and passes Tomaree and Yacaaba headland, we explore Murphy’s gap and the outer islands of Port Stephens, whereas the other cruises stay inshore
10.30am only
2hr Splash and Slide Dolphin Watching Cruise stops to activate the slide which lands into the open waters. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina. This cruise’s slide lands directly into the beautiful waters of Port Stephens therefore to swim on this cruise passengers must be able to swim competently.
Fun for the young and the young at heart.
Snack bar & drinks available to purchase onboard
MV Spirit
18 metre (59’) catamaran
Licensed for 136 passengers
2 walk around viewing decks
Fully licensed bar
Boom net (brought down while cruise is in motion for last 30 mins)
Waterslide
Ocean going vessel
Onboard spa at front of cruiser
1.30pm
Broughton Island 6.5hr Summer Cruise
Take in the spectacular island and coastal scenery as the boat makes its way to Broughton Island. After your picnic pack lunch, explore ashore on an island discovery guided walk to wildlife breeding areas, secluded coves and beaches or enjoy your time relaxing on the beach or in the water.
Bring your snorkelling equipment and explore the crystal clear waters of Broughton Island or enjoy swimming or just relaxing on the beach.
On the return journey (time permitting) enjoy boom net rides and bonus dolphin watching.
Highlights
Spectacular island and coastal scenery
Explore ashore on an island discovery walk to wildlife breeding areas, secluded coves and beaches
Opportunity to see oceanic dolphins, penguins, seals, turtles, whales (in season) and much more…
Snorkelling, swimming and island walks
Water slide, boom net rides
Picnic lunch packs included to enjoy on board or to take to Island
Licensed bar and snacks available
Numbers are limited so bookings are essential
10.00am start
Marine Discovery with Imagine Cruises, Nelson Bay
Qualified Dive-Master/Snorkel Guide
Hire of snorkel, fins & mask included
Complimentary Tea/Coffee/water
Sailing when conditions permit
Comfortable downstairs cabin
Licensed bar
Snack food available
Clean restrooms
Hot shower available on journey back home.
1.30pm start
Swim with Wild Dolphins at Port Stephens
You will be fully immersed and gently pulled through the water, while safely harnessed at the front of our boat, between the two catamaran hulls. The dolphins love to play and choose to swim with you up close! It is the most interactive and safest way to swim with dolphins as they are constantly moving with us. This is how we have long, magical experiences of being ‘part of the pod’.
Enjoy a champagne brunch on the way home
6.15am start
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