Imagine Cruises
Highlights
- Experience the thrill of spotting humpback whales during their migration near Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park.
- Engage with playful Bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat on a scenic Dolphin Watch and Sail Cruise.
- Explore vibrant marine life while snorkelling in the sheltered waters off Cabbage Tree or Fingal Island.
- Support conservation efforts as you enjoy eco-friendly tours designed to protect the stunning local environment.
Imagine Cruises is an advanced Eco-Accredited company operating in beautiful Port Stephens. All of their tours are designed to combine environment and tourism in a successful partnership. They showcase the best that the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park has to offer, while simultaneously doing their best to educate guests and take care of the spectacular environment as well as the creatures, both land and sea, that inhabit it.
Imagine was built in 1995 by company director Frank Future, and then business partner Yves Papin, with the help of a group of stakeholders. The boat was launched with a vision to help make Port Stephens a model of Ecotourism. For over twenty years Imagine has continued to support research and conservation initiatives such as the Dolphin Research Education and Management (DREAM) research fund, Eco Network Port Stephens, Ocean and Coastal Care Initiatives, International Whaling Commission, Eco-tourism Australia and the Marine Parks Association.
Committed to best practice business operation, Imagine Cruises believes they must manage themselves responsibly within their natural environment if future generations are to have the same experiences that they have.
Images and Video
Tour/s
3 hour Whale and Dolphin Watch Cruise
On their annual migration, the magnificent humpbacks travel 10,000 kilometres and generally pass within three kilometres of the coastline. Head offshore onboard ‘Imagine’ to witness the whales as they move amongst the islands of the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park.
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and flocks of oceanic sea birds, and get your camera ready to snap a photo of the long-nosed fur seals lazing on the rocks at Cabbage Tree Island.
The friendly and knowledgeable crew provide informative commentary. The tour and boat features a 360° view, comfortable downstairs cabin, licensed bar with snack food available, onboard restrooms and a fully enclosed downstairs cabin.
The friendly and knowledgeable crew provide informative commentary.
1.5 hour Dolphin Watch and Sail Cruise
Jump on board and spend time with the resident dolphins as approximately 100 Bottlenose Dolphins live in the waters of Port Stephens. The dolphins are a much-loved resident of this beautiful area with visitors coming from all over the world eager to catch a glimpse of them going about their daily lives.
Relax in the dry bow-net, hang on tight for a ride in the boom-net, or give yourself a ‘Titanic’ thrill at the end of the bow sprit. The sails are hoisted if conditions permit, and guests can relax and experience the best that the Bay has to offer.
The friendly and knowledgeable crew provide informative commentary. The tour and boat features a 360° view, comfortable downstairs cabin, licensed bar with complimentary tea/coffee and snacks available, and onboard restrooms.
Imagine Cruises offer a dolphin Guarantee or free return trip.
3.5 hours Marine Discovery Swim & Snorkel Cruise
Welcome to a rich and ever-changing underwater world. Enjoy a leisurely cruise onboard Imagine through the bay, stop and visit our Bottlenose Dolphins, then head out to an offshore island.
In the sheltered lea of Cabbage Tree or Fingal Island, guests will find an amazing and diverse range of marine life and vegetation including fish, sea urchins, soft corals, and rays, all waiting to be discovered. On the return, staff will hoist the sails as guests relax and take in some of the most scenic landscapes along the NSW coast, purchase a drink from the bar and let the afternoon sail away.
Snorkel with a friendly and knowledgeable crew who provide informative commentary. The tour and boat features a 360 degree view, a comfortable downstairs cabin, licensed bar with complimentary tea/coffee. Snacks are available to purchase or you can bring your own lunch. Onboard restrooms for your convenience. The staff are qualified Dive-Master/Snorkel Guides and hire of snorkel, fins and mask are included.
Accreditations
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ECO Certified (Advanced Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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ECO Certified (Ecotourism) by Ecotourism Australia
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ECO Certified (Nature Tourism) by Ecotourism Australia
Memberships
- Boating Industry Association
- Charter Vessel Association
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
- Visitor Information Centre