Port Stephens: Dolphin Watch Eco Adventure

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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 towards Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands before heading offshore and exploring Murphy’s gap and Cabbage Tree Island if the weather allows us. 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.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Please note we do not run on Christmas Day

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Please Bring: Comfortable casual clothing and footwear, Sunglasses, hat, Sun Cream, Camera. We recommend dressing 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 seasickness medication.

**TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:** The passenger acknowledges that during the cruise the vessel will be and will remain under the absolute control of the company, and that the direction and control of the vessel and its crew is at all times the sole responsibility of the Master of the vessel. Moonshadow TQC reserves the right to refuse entry of a passenger on the vessel. It is also at the Master's sole discretion to require a passenger to disembark the vessel. Moonshadow TQC reserve the right to cancel or abandon the cruise either prior to or during the cruise, if the Company or Master of the vessel considers that the cancellation is necessary for reasons of weather or in the interest of the safety and well-being of the vessel, its passengers and crew. The Company will not be held liable for any loss or expense incurred by the passengers caused by such substitution or cancellation. Moonshadow TQC does not accept any liability in contract or in tort for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or other events which are beyond our control, or are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including but not limited to; war, civil disturbance, fire, flood, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any authorities, or failure of machinery (including vessel engines) or equipment or industrial action. Please note smoking is not permitted on any of our cruises. **RISK WARNING:** Care is taken to ensure your safety whilst on board this vessel. However, be warned that there are inherent risks by being aboard any vessel including, but not limited to, movement of the vessel, unpredictable sea conditions, unfamiliar design features such as stairs, coamings and water on decks, slides, boom nets, ancillary equipment used and/or from the vessels etc. Entry onto this vessel is at your own risk. Neither the owner, Master, nor any members of the crew will be liable for any injury to passengers, or damage to passengers property, however occurring. Fares and itinerary are always subject to variation without notice. Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd reserves the right to cancel or vary the cruise specified and reserves the right to refuse to carry any passenger without stating any specific reason. A Moonshadow - TQC Cruises family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and 2 Children (0-14yrs). All children including infants aged from 0-14 years of age (not inclusive in a family ticket) are charged the child rate. Concession rate includes full time students and Australian seniors/old age pensioners upon presentation of student or seniors card. Once on board a Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd vessel all persons are under the authority of the vessel's Captain and Company Management, and are expected to conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner. The law is clear about the Responsible Service of Alcohol and licenced venues are entitled to refuse service to people who are intoxicated, quarrelsome or disorderly. Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd reserves the right to return to dock and disembark any disorderly passengers without refund. Passengers must not bring any alcoholic beverages or illegal substances onto the vessel. ID may be required to purchase alcoholic beverages. These terms are an integral part of the contract between passengers and Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd. When your booking/ticket is confirmed, it will be deemed at all times that you have read, understood and accepted the conditions hereof, and agreed to the terms herein contained.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

1

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

Explore the Port Stephens Marine Park onboard our eco vessel, the MV Osprey. Searching for our wild bottlenose dolphins exploring gorgeous waterways of Port Stephens. After finding Dolphins, journey offshore to see our beautiful outer islands off Port Stephens exploring Murphy’s gap and Cabbage Tree Island if the weather allows us. 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 Knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided throughout the cruise, including the WWII history of Port Stephens, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Included

What‘s Included

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Live commentary on board

The listed price does not include parking fee applicable along with waterfront

Food and drinks

Lunch

Options

10:30am Dolphin Watch Eco

1.5 Hour Dolphin Watch Cruise

Reviews

4.76

51 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

42
7
1
1
0
  • A fantastic trip!

    BackPacker224728,,Dec 29, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    An excellent trip! It was a smaller and faster boat than the others (that left at about the same time) so we got to see more. The captain's commentary was informative and funny and we all had a great time. We saw loads of dolphins including a baby one!

  • Memorable time with family

    poojaa299,,Apr 22, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was amazing experience. There are multiple cruise operating with the same name so there was some confusion about the right boat however tour operator lady was very helpful and guided us to the correct boat, when called. We saw plenty of dolphins dancing,playing in the sea in multiple groups. It was overall an amazing experience.

  • Excellent service

    Janet HAC,,Apr 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We felt very satisfied with the service you provided, especially when we were late and you still there waiting for us. Thanks again

  • Relaxing cruise ride and beautiful scenery

    Rachael D,,Apr 19, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great experience! Beautiful scenery and the cruise ride was relaxing, we saw many dolphins and even had a few waves to watch to.

  • Magnificent views

    Shweta A,,Jan 27, 2025

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    It was a beautiful sunny day, and we saw so many dolphins up close. It was the most incredible view of dolphins and big rock formations. I took my elderly parents, and they enjoyed every moment of it.

  • Fun and friendly Dolphin eco cruise

    V3585PLginaa,,Jan 15, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Excellent cruise. Saw plenty of dolphins. Eco adventure awesome. Lots of history in our backyard. Our own educational experience also. Staff are very helpful and Captain is funny. Great tour

    V3585PLginaa's photo 1
    V3585PLginaa's photo 2
  • Best dolphin cruise

    renaa2025,,Jan 5, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The staff were so welcoming and lovely to talk too, we saw so many dolphins and they were absolutely beautiful. Our children were so happy and we can confirm it was indeed the best cruise ever. Thanks everyone Rena x

  • Another great trip with Moonshadow

    904nickys,,Dec 28, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Another wonderful day on the water with Captain Matt! Despite the rain we saw more dolphins than ever with our visitors. Excellent commentary, wonderful cruise, very highly recommended.

  • No fuss way to see dolphins.

    Alex P,,Dec 23, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    4.00

    Great way to see dolphins in the wild, on a nice boat with a good captain. Kinda feels like it 'does what it says on the tin' in terms of being what you expected and not much else. Do it if you want to see dolphins, but not worth doing if you have seen them before.

  • Amazing cruise experience

    rrajesh28790,,Dec 22, 2024

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was an amazing family dolphin cruise experience. Was able to witness the dolphins and the surrounding islands. kids loved it.

From A$45.00