Quick Guide to cruises
Sunday 30th March 2025
Scroll down to see and book all today's cruises. Dolphins love the wet weather!
Welcome to Port Stephens.
We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday with many wonderful memories to take home with you.
We have all your beach needs in our kiosk as well as bait and ice for your day out.
So enjoy and we look forward to seeing you.
Gai & Jarrad
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
Today's Cruises (click black buttons▶️ below to read more & book online)
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
'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
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
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. We’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.
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
- Pets welcome
- My Local Card rates available Monday - Friday Just $30 return (No public holidays or school holidays)
Generous outdoor deck
360-degree views
Two toilets
Fully galley
Bar
Barista onboard
Friendly, experienced crew
Pets welcome
Sporting equipment carried free
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!
See the amazing Port Stephens islands
Gift Certificates for Cruises
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
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 on journey back home.
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
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 personalized 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/wetsuit is available to hire from Feet First Five, 97 Stockton St, Nelson Bay.