Images and Video
1.5 hour Dolphin Discovery Cruise
Highlights
- Experience playful dolphins in their natural habitat during a high-success-rate sighting cruise.
- Enjoy the thrill of boom netting while taking in stunning views of Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.
- Absorb entertaining commentary that enriches your understanding of marine life and the local environment.
- Relax on a picturesque harbour cruise, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
This cruise has a very high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.
This cruise offers an exceptional opportunity for guests to witness the playful and intelligent nature of dolphins. Additionally, guests can enjoy the thrill boom netting ride. Throughout the cruise, knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
The cruise also offers a picturesque view of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.
Departs daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm (except Christmas Day), with an additional 3:30 pm cruise during Christmas and Easter School Holidays.
Itinerary highlights
Cruise Return Location
Port Stephens largest and best Dolphin Watch Cruise departs from Nelson Bay;
The Dolphin Discovery Cruise has two departure points due to the number of vessels we use for this cruise, please check your confirmation email from Moonshadow TQC for correct vessel & dock locations. Departure points are Dock C, Teramby Road, d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay, with boarding commencing 30 minutes prior to departure OR Wharf 1, Cruise Passenger Terminal, 40 Victoria Parade.
Tour details
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Available from 16 June 2022 to 31 December 2026
Features
Service facilities
Sevice Activity
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Offers multiple options for booking – web, email, phone is available.
- Assistance with booking arrangements (includes providing clear itineraries with written instructions on what to do at various destinations)
Physical – Mobility
Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
- Uses floors/coverings which are slip resistant, firm and smooth
- Uses non-slip tiles in the bathroom or slip resistant matting
- Grab rails in the bathroom
Operation information
Moonshadow – TQC Cruises
Moonshadow TQC is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, only 2.5 hours north of Sydney, and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport. With over 40 years of experience and boasting the largest vessels in Port Stephens, Moonshadow – TQC Cruises gets you close to the action quickly and safely.
Join their Dolphin Cruises that depart daily in search of the resident Bottlenose dolphins, with a 95 per cent success rate in sightings. Enjoy boom-net rides whilst taking in spectacular views of Port Stephens (depart daily except Christmas Day).
Get up close and personal with friendly giants on their Whale-watching cruises, when over 40,000 humpback whales pass their shores during the annual whale migration from May to November.
Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens, which is Broughton Island on their full day cruise adventure out to Broughton Island National Park.
Explore the magnificent Islands of Port Stephens. Explore the picturesque Broughton Island cruise or join their range of Historical Cruises, hosted in collaboration with local historian and legend, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.
Make your next special event a private charter aboard Moonshadow – TQC Cruises with six vessels all equipped for all occasions and catering for casual and formal events.
Accreditations
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ATEC India Host
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ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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International Ready Accreditation
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Quality Tourism Accreditation
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Sustainable Tourism Accreditation by ATIC
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- Charter Vessel Association
- New South Wales Business Chamber
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre
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