Dolphin-Watching Cruise: Spot Wild Bottlenose Dolphins

Enjoy a 1.5-hour afternoon dolphin-watching cruise that takes you directly to the best spots for sightings of wild bottlenose dolphins. Learn about the playful creatures from your onboard guide and enjoy fantastic views of the Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands as well. Bring your swim gear as there are opportunities to take a dip or ride in the boom net.

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Moonshadow-TQC Cruises - Discover why Port Stephens is known as Australia’s Dolphin Capital.
    This cruise boasts a high success rate for dolphin sightings, thrilling boomnet rides, engaging and informative commentary, and a scenic harbour tour featuring the stunning Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.
    Guests have a unique chance to observe the playful…
What's Included
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Boom-net Rides
What's Not Included
  • The listed price does not include parking fee applicable along with waterfront
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • Towels & swimming costume for use in the boom-net
  • Lunch
Additional Information
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
  • Please note we do not run on…
Location
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises Boarding
Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. To avoid the risk of missing the cruise during peak times; please ensure you allow yourself ample time to find parking etc, we do suggest that you aim at arriving to the marina 30 - 45 minutes prior to boarding time of your cruise.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(328 Ratings)
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Daydream31641804671
Nov 8, 2024
Fantastic ♥️ - My Mum and I enjoyable morning looking out for some dolphins. We weren't disappointed. Moonshadow TQC cruises were fantastic. The crew were friendly & helpful. It is always a lovely trip, and it is relaxing being on the water. Thank you so much. We will be back in the future.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maevans1969
Nov 5, 2024
A great way to explore Port Stephens - Booked this trip for family visiting from the UK. The crew provided an excellent commentary on the ecosystem of Port Stephens and how it supports the dolphin population. We were fortunate to see a number of dolphin on this cruise along with one dolphin calf.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dojies
Nov 1, 2024
Saw lots of dolphins - Great outing. The cruise was not full so there was no crush to look over the rails to watch the dolphins. Only in the bay so the sea was flat. A good morning outing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shirley
Oct 17, 2024
A great trip, on a beautiful day, with lots of dolphins out to play. - The entire experience, from booking to the cruise itself was without fault. The staff were welcoming, the 1.5 hr cruise ran exactly to schedule. We had great weather and there were quite a few dolphins out to play. The captain is obviously very experienced in locating them and getting close enough to make the experience great for all, including the dolphins themselves. They came to play close when they wanted to. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nsleiman6
Oct 15, 2024
Great experience! - Great experience, friendly staff, we saw so many beautiful dolphins and the sightseeing of the area was stunning. Also, the captain was very funny and entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
100madeleinen
Oct 13, 2024
Enjoyed the Experience - One young man made everyone feel welcome on board. He was singing and had vibrant energy. Due to weather conditions we only saw a few dolphins. The boat rocked n rolled in the water quite a bit was a fun journey thank you for the opportunity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claire_f
Oct 12, 2024
Fabulous! - This was tour was absolutely brilliant. We were fortunate to be able to go on a perfect sunny spring morning. We spotted loads of dolphin pods and a humpback whale with her baby calf! The slippery slide net into the boom net on the way back to shore was supper fun! My kids 13 and 11 absolutely loved it! Not as strong younger kids would definitely need assistance with their parent as the current in the net is very strong when the boat is moving. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Syed_h
Oct 11, 2024
Enjoyable trip - The crew was nice experienced Captain. Saw a lot of Dolphins and a bonus Whales too ,trip was worth the money
Review provided by Viator
Lyndylooloo
Sep 24, 2024
Great day out! - As soon as we left the bay the whales came to it to play! There were many and we were able to watch a mother and her calf frolic for a long period. We then went searching for seals on the rocks ☑️ and then back to the bay where 10 or so dolphins swam and followed our boat. Great day out!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E8767ajmaryk
Sep 15, 2024
Poor customer service and policy - I recently visited Moonshadow with high hopes, but unfortunately, my experience was quite disappointing. Despite travelling from another state, we were informed that no refunds were given for missed sightings. Instead, the only compensation offered was a voucher. While I understand that policies are in place, the lack of flexibility in accommodating visitors who travel long distances was frustrating. It would be better if they could consider a more customer-friendly approach in these situations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
November 2024
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