Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise
4.5
314 Ratings
Nelson Bay

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: 1 day learn more
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 and intelligent dolphins up close. The excitement of a boom netting ride adds to the adventure. Throughout the journey, guests are treated to insightful and entertaining commentary, enriching their experience.

The cruise also provides breathtaking views of the harbour, including the magnificent Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, making for an unforgettable and scenic trip.

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 Christmas Day
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Baby prams are not permitted on board our vessels. Collapsible strollers are permitted but cannot be taken to areas other than the main cabin of the vessel, upon boarding our friendly crew will advise passengers on where the stroller may be stored.
Location
Moonshadow-TQC Cruises Boarding
Moonshadow V departs from Dock C, d'Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.5
(314 Ratings)
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Jessie_c
Jun 1, 2024
Great value - Great value. We saw heaps of dolphins and all the crew were very friendly and informative. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Giuliana
May 7, 2024
Highly recommend! 🤍 - Incredible! I would pay just for that boat trip. The boat was very comfortable, spacious, and clean. The staff was very friendly, and it was a lovely experience. At first, we didn't see dolphins, but as we were returning to the port, they appeared. The boat stopped for a while (even though we were already approaching the time to return) to observe them closely, then the dolphins followed the boat, and we could see them up close. Highly recommended, I would definitely come back! :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U2788yisarahc
Apr 29, 2024
Amazing Experience - We did this cruise 7 years ago to the day and had to make sure we went back again and was so much better than the last time we went even though our last experience was also amazing, this time our experience was even better due to the amount of dolphins we managed to see. There was a whole pod of dolphins this time round. Real close to the boat and surrounded us almost the entire course of the trip around the bays. So glad to have done this experience again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D3701kyveronikas
Apr 28, 2024
Great experience - The best splash and slide dolphin watching trip. Very friendly and attentive crew who made sure everyone got to see dolphins. Wasn’t the hottest day but everyone thoroughly enjoyed splashing in the spa, the slide and the boom net. Will definitely do it again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2180plgregb
Apr 25, 2024
Top value and great fun - Worth every penny. Been in it 3 times this year and have enjoyed every time. Crew were wonderful as usual. Top value and worth the effort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yogini_r
Jun 24, 2023
Great tour to learn about Mykonos - Theodora was a lovely guide, she knew a lot of folklore and history of Mykonos. For a little party island it does have some interesting history. We also stopped at many scenic spots to take photos. If you are looking to do something a bit different in Mykonos I would recommend you try this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Trail610759
May 13, 2023
An excellent experience overall - Our first time to the region. WE saw the brochure and went to the booking office. The lady who took the booking was amazing. Most welcoming and told us about all other things to do in the region, not just her experience. The crew on the boat were most helpful and informative on the tour. The amount of dolphins we saw was incredible. I thought maybe half a dozen before we went. We saw many pods and they just played in the water near the boat. A great experience. We also got a cold beer and food on the boat. An added extra. Thanks to all involved. A great company and experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karenbk8841ei
Jul 2, 2021
Bucket list opportunity - Getting the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures which occurred due to the experienced captain and crew. Found the crew very caring & would thoroughly recommend them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chezdall
Jun 28, 2021
I will go again! - The Cruise was most enjoyable. The staff were extremely pleasant and helpful. Whilst we didn't see a great many whales we were able to get fairly close.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louisac25
Apr 28, 2024
Nice cruise let down by one rude crew member - Boat was good and well equipped, captain and most staff lovely, and we saw dolphins which was great. An otherwise enjoyable day was a bit affected by one incredibly rude staff member who screamed at my children (captain was just announcing that kids must not stand up on ledges; we were trying to get them down but had multiple young children including one with a sprained foot so it was taking us a minute - and the boat had not yet departed). Crew member stood between me and my husband, blocking him from helping, screaming GET DOWN FROM THERE RIGHT NOW - upsetting my children and slowing the process down. He later had a “joke” with my 6 year old which involved telling him off for something he didn’t do and then laughing “with” him (he wasn’t laughing). And at the end he told off a couple in front of us for moving a barricade - which they didn’t, it fell - remarking sarcastically “it needs to be there, it’s almost like I put it there on purpose”. Shame as it was otherwise a nice afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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