Port Stephens Whale Watching cruises

Whale watching in Port Stephens runs from mid-May to early November, when humpback whales migrate past the coast, with cruises leaving from Nelson Bay. There are two ways to do it: a quick 90-minute run on a fast cat, or a longer three-hour trip.

Best time for whale watching in Port Stephens

The Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise runs from mid-May to early November, following the annual whale migration along Australia's east coast. The Whale Watching Express Cruise runs a little shorter, from June to November. Outside those months, the dolphin cruises take over, with several running from November to April.

Whale Watching Express Cruise, 90 minutes

The Whale Watching Express Cruise puts you aboard 'Envision', a 40-foot fast cat that heads straight out to sea. The pitch is less travel time and more whale time, with 360-degree viewing and a chance to spot southern fur seals and dolphins as well. It comes with a whale sighting guarantee, which is a free return voucher if no whales are sighted. Wind and weather jackets are provided if you need one.

It's an offshore trip, so it isn't suitable for children under 5.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise, 3 hours

The Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise spends three hours out of Nelson Bay with 360-degree views, looking for humpbacks, southern fur seals and dolphins, with commentary from the crew about what you're seeing. There's a licensed bar with snacks and drinks, self-serve tea and coffee, and a wet weather jacket if the weather turns.

Which Port Stephens whale watching cruise to pick

Go for the express cruise if you want a shorter outing, with less travel time and more whale time. Take the three-hour cruise if you'd like longer on the water, with time to take in the seals and dolphins as well. Both leave from the same dock in Nelson Bay.

What to wear on a whale watching cruise

It gets cold on the water in winter, so wear warm layers and a jacket. Long pants and enclosed shoes are recommended on the three-hour cruise, along with a waterproof layer. Both cruises recommend sea sickness tablets beforehand if you're prone to motion sickness, and complimentary tablets are available onboard.

Frequently asked questions

When is whale watching season in Port Stephens?

The Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise runs from mid May to early November, and the Whale Watching Express Cruise runs from June to November.

Where do the Port Stephens whale watching cruises leave from?

Both whale watching cruises leave from Dock C at d'Albora Marina on Teramby Road in Nelson Bay.

Is there a whale sighting guarantee in Port Stephens?

Yes, on the Whale Watching Express Cruise. If no whales are sighted, you get a free return voucher.

Are whale watching cruises in Port Stephens suitable for kids?

The Whale Watching Express Cruise is an offshore trip and isn't suitable for children under 5. The Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise has child tickets for ages 4 to 14.

Local tip: Wind and weather jackets are provided on the express cruise, and the three-hour cruise has wet weather jackets, but long pants and enclosed shoes are still recommended for the longer trip.

Choose your whale watching cruise above, the express run or the longer trip. All good days are waiting.