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1.5 hour Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure
Highlights
- Explore the stunning Port Stephens Marine Park while searching for resident Bottlenose Dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Cruise aboard the eco-friendly MV Osprey, designed for sustainability, ensuring a guilt-free adventure on the water.
- Venture to Jimmy’s Beach for breathtaking views of Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands, perfect for capturing unforgettable memories.
- Enjoy knowledgeable commentary on WWII history, enriching your experience with fascinating insights throughout the cruise.
Explore the natural beauty of the Port Stephens Marine Park, onboard the MV Osprey, a 24 metre fast super cat eco-vessel, designed with sustainability in mind.
Your journey starts by searching for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins that call the beautiful Port Stephens’ waterways home. This cruise offers incredible viewing opportunities onboard to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. While cruising offshore, keep your eyes out as you may find penguins, seals, turtles and sea birds.
Venture across to Jimmy’s beach, and take in the spectacular views looking out towards Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands before heading offshore and exploring Murphy’s Gap and Cabbage Tree Island if the weather allows.
Cruising back along the stunning shores of Shoal Bay, catch a glimpse of the boats launching at Little Beach, before returning back to Nelson Bay, showing you Nelson Head to Fly Point, one of the region’s most popular snorkelling and diving spots.
Knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided throughout the cruise, including the WWII history of Port Stephens, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Tour details
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Available from 29 August 2023 to 30 April 2026
Features
Service facilities
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 Cruises is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, just 2.5 hours north of Sydney and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport. With more than 44 years of experience and the largest vessels in Port Stephens, they deliver safe, memorable experiences on the water.
Their Dolphin Cruises depart daily in search of resident Bottlenose dolphins, with a 95 per cent sighting success rate, plus the chance to enjoy boom-net rides while taking in the beauty of the bay.
From May to November, Whale Watching Cruises offer unforgettable encounters with humpback whales during the annual migration, when more than 45,000 whales pass the coastline.
For a full-day adventure, the Broughton Island Cruise explores the pristine beauty of Broughton Island National Park, while a range of Historical Cruises to Broughton, Fingal, Outer Islands and the Western Harbour reveal the region’s rich maritime stories, hosted with local historian John “Stinker” Clarke.
During Daylight Savings, the Sunset on the Bay Cruise operates every Saturday evening, offering a relaxed way to experience Port Stephens at golden hour aboard one of the region’s largest vessels.
Moonshadow TQC Cruises also offers private charters across a fleet of six vessels, catering for everything from casual celebrations to formal functions, making them a leading choice for marine tourism, special events and unforgettable experiences in Port Stephens.
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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