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Explore our brand-new website for a better experience, updated features, and everything you need.
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 sightings
360° viewing
Friendly & knowledgeable crew
Bring swimmers for a ride in the boom net.
11.30am & 1.30pm
▶️ Dolphin & Sailing 1.5hr cruise on Imagine (Can come back under sail)
Swim with Wild Dolphins - 4.5hrs includes champagne brunch starts 6.15am
First swim of its kind in the WORLD
$359.00 per person (ages 7+)
This is the only permitted wild dolphin swim in New South Wales, and the first swim of its kind in the world! We are located in the stunning Port Stephens region, and depart from Nelson Bay where we go offshore and swim with wild oceanic common dolphins! Come and join the pod to witness TRUE wild dolphin behaviour! The dolphins don’t just swim past you, they swim WITH you for a long, interactive and mind-blowing experience! You are harnessed to a customised rope which is strung between the two bows of a 52’ (16m) catamaran and slowly pulled through the water. This is the safest and most harmonious way to swim with wild oceanic dolphins! They get a free ride and are having just as much fun as we are, and most importantly - they are free to swim away at any point! There is a maximum of 24 swimmers and 12 observers on each tour.
Location: Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales. Only a 2.5 hour drive from Sydney!
Time: 6:15am to 11:00am - 4.5 hour tour (guests are requested to arrive at 6:15am for check-in and wetsuit fitting)
Inclusions: All equipment & training (wetsuit, mask & snorkel, safety harness), 4.5 hour cruise on a 52’ catamaran, a champagne brunch, tea & coffee, educational commentary, all above-water photos, and a customised underwater and above water video of your experience with the dolphins!
$109.00 per person (Ages 4 and under free)
Description: This is the best dolphin watching experience you could ever do! Not only do you get to go offshore and watch wild oceanic dolphins in their natural environment, you get to watch them interact with humans as well! “Our” dolphins are always within meters of the boat- so close that you can hear them whistling! There are often hundreds of them around us, jumping and splashing! These oceanic common dolphins are much more interesting than the small pods of shy bottlenose dolphins that most dolphin watching cruises look for inside the bay! This is also a great option if there is someone in your group who wants to stay dry, but still have the best day ever. As long as you book on the same day, you will be on the same tour as your swimming buddies.
Location: Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, New South Wales
Time: 6:15am to 11:00am - 4.5 hour tour (guests are requested to arrive at 6:15am for check-in)
Inclusions: 4.5 hour cruise on a 52’ catamaran, champagne brunch, tea & coffee, educational commentary on the area and marine life, and above-water photos of you and the dolphins!
*Tours will NOT operate in unsafe conditions.
Running Mon-Sun from Nelson Bay at
8.30am, 11.30am, & 3.30pm
And from Tea Gardens at
10am, 2.30pm & 4.30pm
Starting 31st July Fridays through to Sundays
Sunset Sizzle
This product has no availability, please try again later
Come on board as we sail around our beautiful Bay and not only witness spectacular sunsets but hopefully meet our local Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural habitat.
Dolphins are not guaranteed but you will have a special evening under sail (weather permitting) whilst our crew cook up a Sausage or Burger Sizzle.
Relax in the dry bow-net or bring your swimmers to enjoy a ride in the jet-net or just sit back and relax with a glass of something cold.
Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise
'Imagine' is a unique venue, perfect for any occasion...and when we hoist our sails, the atmosphere is truly special.
Whilst dinner is being prepared relax on the deck with a fine wine or a cold beer, get wet in the boom net or take a ride in the dry bow-net!
Once the boat has arrived at a sheltered cove or bay you will have the choice of dining in our downstairs cabin or on our large covered fore deck, alfresco style.
We use fresh, local produce to cook you a seasonal 2-course BBQ meal, dessert will be served as we depart the cove and sail back to the marina.
It is a sumptuous way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our bay.
3 hour cruise - boarding 15 minutes before departure time
Sunset sail inside the bay
Set 3-course adult & child menu (vegan/vegetarian option available) infants do not receive a meal.
Fully licensed bar with great selection of beers, wines & spirits
Complimentary tea and coffee
Opportunity to see the resident Bottlenose Dolphins
* Choose from BBQ seafood, steak, chicken (vegetarian or vegan option available). *Child meal is provided for all child (14 years and under) bookings.
*all cruises subject to weather/sea conditions * minimum numbers apply
FOOD ALLERGY POLICY
All cruises: Please note it is the client's responsibility to notify Imagine Cruises of any intolerances or allergies including but not limited to traces of nuts.
Whilst all dishes are prepared onboard, our quality produce is supplied by third parties and we therefore cannot guarantee there are no traces of allergens (e.g., nut-free, dairy-free).
We also cannot guarantee there will no cross-contamination of allergens during service and we explicitly accept no liability in this regard.
For serious food allergies you must make your own decisions on selecting meals. Our staff's comments are only to assist you in making an informed decision.
Sunset Sip & Sail cruise
Slow down, settle in and enjoy an evening on the bay.
Settle into a relaxed evening on the bay with Sunset, Sip and Sail. Experience beautiful coastal scenery, music, delicious grazing tables, specialty cocktails and great company.
Join Imagine for a 90-minute cruise through the protected waters of Port Stephens. Whether you’re travelling solo, catching up with friends, spending time as a couple or enjoying an outing with the family, everyone is welcome aboard.
Share a large gourmet grazing table as we cruise the bay, and choose your favourite drink from Imagine’s onboard bar. Beers, wines, spirits and specialty cocktails are available to purchase.
When conditions allow, we’ll raise the sails and enjoy travelling under sail. You may also spot some of Port Stephens’ resident dolphins along the way!
Take in the evening light, enjoy the music and mingle with your fellow sailors.
Your cruise includes:
A 1.5-hour cruise through the protected waters of Port Stephens
A large gourmet grazing table
Chill music onboard
Sailing when conditions allow
The opportunity to spot wild dolphins (highly likely, but not guaranteed)
Season: Mid-November to the end of April
Departure: 5.30pm
Location: Dock C, d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay
Boarding: Please be ready to board 15 minutes before departure, at 5.15pm
Drinks: Available to purchase separately from the onboard bar
Suitable for: Everyone! Solo travellers, Friends, Groups, Couples and Families—children are welcome
Nelson Bay Port Stephens Marine Discovery
Cruise aboard Imagine, our luxury 54-foot sailing catamaran, through the beautiful waters of Port Stephens and out to one of our stunning offshore islands, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating marine world beneath the surface.
Our snorkelling locations are home to a wonderful variety of marine life, including the impressive Eastern Blue Groper and many species of colourful fish. As a natural environment, every trip is different and you never know what you may discover.
Our experienced snorkel guides are there to share their knowledge, assist you in the water and help spot and identify some of the marine highlights along the way.
Snorkel, mask and fins are included. After your snorkel, enjoy a hot shower onboard before changing into dry clothes. Imagine also has marine toilets onboard which double as private change rooms for your convenience.
Then sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cruise back through Port Stephens. Complimentary tea and coffee are available onboard, along with a licensed bar and snacks available for purchase. When conditions permit, we’ll raise the sails and enjoy some sailing on the journey home.
YOUR MARINE DISCOVERY CRUISE INCLUDES:
• Cruise aboard our luxury 54-foot sailing catamaran, Imagine
• Experienced snorkel guides to assist you and share their knowledge
• Snorkel, mask and fins provided
• Opportunity to discover Eastern Blue Gropers, colourful fish and a diverse range of marine life
• Hot shower onboard
• Marine toilets which also provide private changing areas
• Sailing when conditions permit
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Licensed bar
• Snack food available for purchase
WHAT TO BRING:
• Lunch
• Wetsuit and/or rashie
• Towel
• Warm jacket – it can become cool and windy on the water
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Thongs or sneakers
High heels and wedges are not permitted onboard.
Dolphin Watch & Sailing Cruise
There are almost 100 resident Bottlenose Dolphins that live in the Bay at Port Stephens. Join us onboard 'Imagine' as we spend time with some of these fabulous 'locals'.
* Dolphin Guarantee
* Dry 'Bow-Net' & Wet 'Boom Net'
* Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew
* 360° Viewing
* Complimentary Tea & Coffee
* Licensed Bar
1.5 hour Duration - Daily from Late November - Early May
* All cruises dependent on sea conditions * Minimum numbers apply
Imagine 3hr Whale Watch Cruise
Join us for an unforgettable 3 hour wildlife cruise through the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park, where there is much more to experience than just whale watching.
Head offshore aboard Imagine as we search for the incredible Humpback Whales during their annual migration. Watch these magnificent animals swim, breach, tail slap and play in their natural environment while our experienced crew shares informative commentary along the way.
But the adventure does not stop with the whales.
Our cruise also takes you out amongst the beautiful offshore islands of Port Stephens, including Cabbage Tree Island, where we visit the local fur seals relaxing and playing around the rocks.
Along the way, keep watch for dolphins, seabirds and other marine wildlife that call these waters home.
With a maximum of just 47 passengers and 360° viewing, Imagine offers a relaxed wildlife experience with plenty of room to move around the vessel and enjoy the action.
When conditions allow, we can also switch off the engines and sail alongside the whales, creating a wonderfully quiet experience where you may even hear the whales breathe.
Humpback Whale watching during the annual migration
Visit the offshore islands and see the fur seals at Cabbage Tree Island
Keep watch for dolphins and other marine wildlife
Whale Guarantee
Maximum 47 passengers
360° viewing
Opportunity to sail with the whales when conditions permit
Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew
Informative Commentary
Complimentary Tea & Coffee
Licensed Bar onboard
Duration: Approximately 3 Hours
Operates: Daily from 1 June to early November
We offer a Whale Guarantee during the whale watching season. If whales are not sighted during your cruise, you can join us again for another whale watching cruise in accordance with our Whale Guarantee conditions.
Child rate applies to children aged 4 – 14 years
Infant rate applies to children aged 0 – 3 years
All cruises are subject to weather and sea conditions
Minimum passenger numbers apply
Wildlife is wild and sightings and behaviour can vary from cruise to cruise
The cruise route may vary depending on weather, sea conditions and wildlife activity
Come aboard Imagine and experience whales, dolphins, fur seals and the spectacular offshore islands of Port Stephens on one memorable wildlife cruise.
End of Todays Cruises.
To see what other activities are available in Port Stephens today - Click here
Please arrive 15 mins before your booked time
Please note: there is a $6.50 charge per person for the National Park and Wildlife Fee entering the national park which is added to the price of your ticket at purchase.
Sandboarding
Our friendly and professional staff will take you on an exciting 4WD adventure up into the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern hemisphere in our exclusive air-conditioned off-road 4WD vehicles.
They will then instruct you on how to sand board and answer any questions you may have. Our first priority is your safety and to ensure your sandboarding adventure will be a joyful memory not to be forgotten.
Duration
Typically 30 to 60 minutes leaves most exhausted.
Casual Clothing (no skirts!)
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
Shoes (however sandboarding is better bare footed)
Water
Another bucket list experience too good to forget!
18 plus to participate
Quad Bike King is Port Stephens’ premier sand dune adventure experience, taking you deep into the iconic Worimi Conservation Lands at Stockton Beach. Riding powerful quad bikes across the Southern Hemisphere's largest moving coastal sand dunes, you'll tackle towering peaks, speed along sweeping ridges, and soak in stunning ocean views with expert guides leading the way. No experience is needed—just bring your appetite for adrenaline!
All participants must be at least 130cm tall
Children under 16 years of age CAN participate in our tours being doubled by an adult
Double Bikes can only be ridden on the lower sand dunes and they go at a slower pace for safety, with 2 people on them.
Session from start to finish 1hr approx
The Dolphin and Whale Watch Booking Agency and Dolphin Watch Cafe
We are an independant, stand alone agent for the following cruise and activity companies (and attached to The Dolphin Watch Cafe).
Moonshadow
Imagine
Tea Gardens Ferry
Port Stephens 4WD
Sand Dune Adventures
Irukandji
and more..........
We can offer you discounted family tickets (2 adults, 2 children 0-14yrs)
We accept cash as well as debit & credit cards (surcharge may apply)
Welcome to Nelson Bay
Our beautiful water wonderland with the world's friendliest Dolphins
We hope that you enjoy your holiday.
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Please note: this site holds All the information & booking links that you require while visiting.
Book now to secure your spots
See where to park for your cruises
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To read all about each of our daily cruises hit the drop-down arrow.
Use the Book here button to book
Snorkel with sharks (paid experience)- great day out for all the family
Irukandji entry pass inclusions
Admission to the aquarium as a spectator
Entry into the lagoon shallows in bare feet
Shark food at various feeding locations
Interaction with the animals (petting/feeding)
Interesting and informative animal talks
Keepers always present with the animals for personalised visitor attention
Hot Showers are available for all
A visit to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary entails a round trip walk of about 1km in length. All pathways and elevated viewing platforms are easily accessible designed for all ages and abilities. Some limited bench seating is provided along the Sanctuary Story Walk and SKYwalk. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection and drink plenty of water to remain hydrated.
Try Release Here
Discover an anonymous, therapeutic sanctuary where you can release your heaviest secrets or greatest joys. (completely safe-vent-release-let it go)
No details never held.
Broughton Island Guided Historical Cruise - 6.5hrs
Starts:
September 9, October 21, November 2 and December 2 2026. They sell out fast!
(All Wednesdays) 10am - 4.30pm
We all use the exact same booking engines and they are set to countdown the number of seats left after every booking, so going direct is faster for you. It's all based on a first in basis, so 'no hold and pay later' options and when an activity doesn't show, it means it has been booked out