Dolphins
Dolphin Discovery Cruise
Daily dolphin sighting cruise with twist & twirl slide and boom net
"Did you know that dolphins approach humans out of genuine curiosity, just as we’re curious about them?"
Yes it's true!
Dolphins do love to interact with us humans as Dolphins are incredibly social animals, often forming close bonds within their pods.
Their curiosity extends beyond their own kind; they are naturally interested in other species, especially humans.
Dolphins have been observed swimming up to boats and interacting with people simply out of curiosity, seeking to understand and play with us.
This is why our cruises are so popular and why people come from all over the world and travel just to Nelson Bay to see them interact with our boats.
They just love seeing us appear and understand that we mean them no harm, as we treat them with respect. This they understand. It's a mutual thing!
Cruise on our largest most comfy vessels
This cruise has a very high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.
See our world-famous resident wild Bottlenose dolphins
Exciting boom net rides
Expansive open decks or covered all weather indoor viewing
Licensed bar and snack food available
Live, informative, fun Captain’s commentary
Very high success sighting rate, free return cruise if no dolphins sighted (standby basis). Terms and conditions apply
A fully licensed bar is aboard and snack foods are available.
Dolphin Watch & Sailing Cruise
Most Days - Come back into the harbour under sail-weather permitting
Sail the bay and see dolphins in their natural environment
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
Splash n Slide Cruise - 2hrs
Daily from 21st Nov - fun for the young and young at heart
Two hours of fun for the young and the young at heart
Port Stephens is home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins that is why we call ourselves the Dolphin Capital of Australia. With a high success rate in dolphin sightings, boom net rides & waterslide you can’t go past a Moonshadow – TQC 2hr Splash & Slide Dolphin Watch Cruise!
What's included
Time to swim
Cruise spectacular headlands and eastern harbour
See our resident wild Bottlenose dolphins
Ride, slide, splash on our awesome waterslide
Fun boom net
Twin level with walk-around decks
Licensed bar and snack food available
Live, informative, fun Captain’s commentary
High success sighting rate, free return cruise if no dolphins sighted (standby basis). Terms and conditions apply
Dolphin Watch Express
Daily Max 16 - spend time getting to meet our friendly 'locals'
...and here is something that you may not know and this is something that we have observed, over the years.
They talk to each other!
Dolphins use a range of sounds and gestures to communicate within their pods and with other species, including humans.
This capability might make them inclined to "talk" to us, responding to our gestures, splashes, or even voices.
The fact that humans try to communicate back seems to fascinate dolphins, making interactions even more engaging for them.
Wild dolphins have learned over generations that many humans mean them no harm and are curious about them too.
This mutual curiosity has built a foundation of trust in some places, where dolphins will willingly approach people for friendly interaction.
It is especially true in areas where humans regularly engage with dolphins, creating a sort of unspoken “friendship.”
Fast & Fun…the best way to experience our beautiful Bay and see our favourite Bottlenose Dolphins!
Port Stephens has over 100 Bottlenose Dolphins that live in the Bay….on our crowd-free 'Dolphin Watch Express', we'll spend time getting to know these friendly 'locals'.
'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
What to bring
It is ALWAYS colder out on the ocean - please wear warm, comfortable clothing and bring a jacket. Don't forget your camera!
Swim with the Dolphins
Specialty cruise with Champagne brunch 4.5hrs
This really is a life-changing experience!
Instructor and all gear including wetsuit, provided
Every swimmer receives a customised video of their experience & joins us for a champagne brunch on the return journey.
This video is edited and sent out after your swim and includes footage of you underwater with the dolphins!
Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure
Eco Friendly cruise with great WW11 commentary
Dolphins have something very rare in their DNA
Like us, dolphins have genuine feelings
Dolphins are one of the few animals that display emotional intelligence, which includes empathy and self-awareness.
Just like humans, they experience complex emotions and can sense emotions in others.
This may explain why dolphins sometimes approach people in distress, offering help or companionship, as they may pick up on our moods and respond accordingly.
Sustainable and Eco Friendly Cruise
Explore the natural beauty of the Port Stephens Marine Park, onboard the MV Osprey, our 24m fast super cat eco-vessel, designed with sustainability in mind. Your journey starts by searching for our resident Bottlenose Dolphins that call our beautiful Port Stephens’ waterways home. This cruise offers incredible viewing opportunities onboard to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. While cruising offshore, keep your eyes out as we may find penguins, seals, turtles and sea birds.
Venture across to Jimmy’s beach, take in the spectacular views looking out Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands before heading offshore and exploring Murphy’s gap and Cabbage Tree Island if the weather allows us. Before cruising back along the stunning shores of Shoal Bay, catch a glimpse of the boats launching at Little Beach, before returning back to Nelson Bay, showing you Nelson Head to Fly Point, one of the region’s most popular snorkelling and diving spots.
What's included
Knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided throughout the cruise, including the WWII history of Port Stephens, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Marine Discovery
3.5hrs of fun & adventure in crystal clear waters
Get up close & personal with Port Stephens Marine Life
Enjoy a leisurely cruise onboard 'Imagine' through the Bay. We'll stop and visit with our resident Bottlenose Dolphins before cruising to one of our stunning outer islands. Imagine usually heads out to Cabbage Tree Island however we may head
down towards the Outer Lighthouse if the winds are blowing in a certain
direction. Take a look at our pristine coastline as we travel out to experience the Marine wonders Post Stephens and surrounds has to offer. You will see that it is a rich and ever-changing underwater world
* Participants must have some swimming ability