Nelson Bay Whale Watching

See spectacular displays of humpback whale acrobatics on this exciting whale watching cruise from Nelson Bay.

Port Stephens, Australia

Duration
2 hrs 30 min

Start & End Time
Varies

Pick-Up & Drop-Off
Not included

Minimum Age
All ages

Meals
Not included

Start & End Location
Port Stephens

What's Included

Get up to $10 cash back per person when you book with us
A 2 hr 30 min whale-watching cruise off the coast of Port Stephens
Opportunities to spot majestic marine displays from humpback whales, such as spy hops, pectoral slaps, & body rolls
Access to a fully licensed onboard bar for drink purchases while you cruise
Departs from the meeting point at Nelson Bay Marina, 6 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay (check confirmation details for dock number)

What's Excluded

Purchases from the bar

What to Expect

You will never forget seeing the incredible bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and the breathtaking breach.

Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary onboard this 2 hr 30 min whale watching cruise, departing from Nelson Bay near Port Stephens. Watch from the decks for the best views of these friendly giants.

There are two vessels making multiple departures throughout the day. The 260-passenger Hinchinbrook Explorer is a 30-metre Supercat with two full walk-around decks, an air-conditioned cabin, and a fully licensed bar. Meanwhile, the 18-metre MV Spirit also has two walk-around viewing decks, a bar, and a capacity of 148 passengers.

The cruise also includes bonus dolphin and outer island cruising, so it's kind of like two cruises for the price of one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Comfortable casual clothing & footwear
Sunglasses, hat & sun cream is recommended
Camera
Dress warmer for the winter months

If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, it's highly recommended to consult your pharmacist regarding seasickness medication.

Yes, all the vessels have both male and female toilets. Some vessels’ access to the toilets is by a stairway.

These are the region's largest, safest, and most comfortable passenger-carrying vessels. However, with all offshore cruising, the possibility of uncomfortable and dangerous sea conditions can force the cancellation of a cruise. The Operator monitors the weather closely, and decisions are made not just on safety but also being able to offer an enjoyable experience when travelling offshore. Should poor weather conditions force the cancellation of any cruise, passengers are notified as soon as that decision is made – office staff will discuss further cruising options or transfers for you at this time.

Unfortunately, the vessels are not easily suited for wheelchair access. In the event the guest can access the vessel out of the wheelchair, the chair can be brought on board the main level of the vessel. Due to WHS risk assessments, wheelchair-bound guests cannot be assisted onto the vessel by the crew. Travel is not recommended for guests incapable of accessing the vessel with minimal assistance. All restroom facilities are located down a flight of stairs.

D’Albora Marina (Nelson Bay) and Victoria Parade (Nelson Bay)

Up to 4 hour paid parking between the hours 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
Limited up to 8-hour paid parking in Victoria Pde
Car parking is free and unlimited on some streets, i.e. Laman Street, Church Street, and Magnus Street, all within walking distance of the marina.

Parking machines
Parking machines are located at Nelson Bay and use smart parking technology. You can pay by card, coin or the Park’n Pay app — remember, your number plate is your ticket to park.

Paid parking operates throughout the Nelson Bay Town Centre and foreshore.

Please check kerbside signs for parking restrictions.

Outside the times indicated, parking is free and unrestricted. However, other parking conditions may still apply to ensure road safety. Please check the information on the kerbside signs before parking your vehicle.

By downloading the Park’nPay app makes finding and paying for parking easier. You can download it from your smartphone’s app store.

With the app, you don’t need to walk to a meter and pay — instead, you can do it from your smartphone. You will receive a notification on your phone when your ‘ticket’ is about to expire to avoid fines.

Once you’ve registered, you can keep track of your parking history and receipts. It’s a convenient and ticketless way to park.

You can also look up where to find a park using the app, all from the passenger seat!

Even with The Operator's excellent sighting percentage, the crew do on occasion (although rare) not find dolphins or whales. If this is the case on the day you travel with valid tickets on a cruise that does not sight whales (on a whale watch cruise) or dolphins (on a dolphin watch cruise), you will be issued free of charge return voucher. This voucher is issued on a stand-by basis. This offer is only valid for tickets purchased directly with The Operator or one of its agents. Not valid with 3rd party bookings.

Baby prams are not permitted on board the vessels. Collapsible strollers are permitted but cannot be taken to areas other than the main cabin of the vessel, upon boarding the friendly crew will advise passengers on where the stroller may be stored.

Policies

Terms & Conditions:

Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time of cruise
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
Smoking is not permitted on any of the cruises
Minimum passenger numbers can apply for cruises to depart
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, boomnets, ancillary equipment used and/or from the vessel etc. Entry onto the 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
Children are up to 14 years

Cancellation Policy:

100% cancellation charge – within 24hrs of departure time
Travel Voucher or Refund – with more than 24hrs notice of departure time

A fee of $10 may be charged to cover administration costs for any booking amendments. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable unless approved by The Operator.

Booking & Cancellation Policy

Standard Cruises:

100% cancellation charge within 24 hours of departure time
A travel voucher or refund with more than 24 hours’ notice

Pre booked catered cruises:

100% cancellation charge within 24 hours of departure time
50% cancellation charge within 48 hours of departure time
A travel voucher or refund with more than 48 hours’ notice

Any amendments to bookings will incur a $10 administration fee.
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable unless authorised by MSTQC Cruises

COVID Terms & Conditions

As at 15th December 2021

*Under the NSW Government roadmap for business, Moonshadow-TQC will be operating under current restrictions.

*Please be mindful when reading the following, the guidelines are set by the NSW state government and our business must comply to operate.

Moonshadow-TQC is a registered COVID-19 Safe Business. Our priority is for the safety and wellbeing of our passengers, team and crew.
All passengers before travel will need to agree to terms of travel, this will include –
Currently, Moonshadow-TQC Cruises is only accepting double vaccinated patrons until further notice
All passengers will need to comply with upon boarding checking in with the mandatory QR code check in system.
All passengers will need to comply by showing the captain/crew proof of vaccination with the Australian Government Covid-19 digital vaccination certificate. Certified paper copies must be accompanied with current addressed ID. Screen shots and other forms of printouts will not be accepted, and travel will be refused with no refund.
While on board our cruises, masks are required to be worn at all times indoors but not required on the outside areas. Our crew and onboard COVID Marshall will best direct you while on board.
Covid -19 restrictions and terms and conditions are subject to changes in accordance with updated legislation set down by the Minister and NSW Health orders.
To prevent queues and delays in boarding you must have your service NSW app open and ready to QR scan in and your vaccination evidence ready.
Boarding procedures, hygiene procedures and social distancing policy and procedures will be strictly adhered to.
Please ensure all instructions from our Team and Crew are always followed.
Please refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions during COVID-19

Should any of the above conditions not be adhered to Moonshadow-TQC reserves the right to refuse entry and contact relevant authorities.

We thank you for your understanding during these difficult and unprecedented times.

Terms & 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.
Please be aware minimum passenger numbers can apply for 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, boomnets, ancillary equipment used and/or from the vessel 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. The child age is between the ages of 4 – 14 years old. Children under 4 years old are free of charge. 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.