Port Stephens Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise: Humpbacks and Seals

The boat is quiet enough to hear whales breathing.

A 3-hour whale and dolphin watch cruise from Port Stephens aboard Imagine, a 54ft sailing catamaran built for eco-tourism, with covered foredeck seating, cabin access, informative commentary and a whale guarantee. The catamaran's quiet design lets you hear marine life instead of engine noise, and the boat carries wet-weather jackets, blankets, coffee and tea onboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale and dolphin watching cruise

• Board the sailing catamaran Imagine
• Head offshore to spot humpback whales
• Watch dolphins and oceanic seabirds
• Photograph fur seals on Cabbage Tree Island

The experience

Imagine is a 54ft sailing catamaran purpose-built to run quietly, so quiet that you'll hear humpback whales breathe as they surface offshore. The boat carries you out to witness them swim and play during their migration, and keeps your eyes on dolphins, oceanic seabirds and fur seals lazing on Cabbage Tree Island. A covered foredeck gives you a dry vantage point in any weather, and a comfortable downstairs cabin and bar let you step inside if conditions turn rough.

The tour runs 3 hours and includes wet-weather jackets and blankets so you stay warm on deck. Coffee and tea are available onboard. An informative live guide in English narrates what you're seeing as it happens. The boat carries a restroom, and the operator backs the experience with a whale guarantee. If humpbacks don't show, you get a free return trip.

What’s included

• Wet-weather jackets and blankets.
• coffee and tea.
• informative live commentary in English.
• onboard restroom.
• covered foredeck and downstairs cabin access.
• whale guarantee (free return trip if humpbacks don't appear).

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Imagine Cruises

Is this one for you?The live English-language guide narrates what you're seeing as it happens, so you don't need prior whale-watching knowledge to follow along and understand the marine life around you.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales and dolphins will I see on the Port Stephens cruise?

Humpback whales are the main draw during their migration season, swimming and playing offshore where the catamaran takes you. Dolphins and oceanic seabirds are common sightings, and fur seals rest on Cabbage Tree Island, which the boat passes.

How long is the whale watching tour and what's included?

The cruise runs 3 hours and includes wet-weather jackets, blankets, coffee and tea onboard. A live English-language guide provides commentary throughout. A restroom is available on the boat, and there's a covered foredeck as well as a downstairs cabin if you need shelter.

What happens if we don't see whales on the day we go?

The tour includes a whale guarantee, so if humpback whales don't appear, you receive a free return trip to try again.