AquaMarine Adventures · Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay
A 1.5-hour run out of Nelson Bay on Envision, a 40-foot power cat that carries up to 12 guests, to find the humpbacks passing Port Stephens. Pick it for the small group and the speed: less time motoring, more time beside the whales.
Humpback whales travel about 10,000 km on their migration and generally pass within 3 km of the coast here, through the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, between May and November (Imagine Cruises). This express cruise leaves from Teramby Rd in Nelson Bay and spends 1.5 hours at sea. The boat is Envision, a 40-foot power cat with 360-degree viewing, and the group tops out at 12, so everyone gets a rail. The bigger boats in town take 2.5 to 3 hours for the same trip.
The season is the first thing to check. Outside May to November there are no whales to find, and the trip only makes sense in those months. Moonshadow TQC, which also sells the Envision whale express, runs its 2026 season from 23 May into the second week of November. Mid-season is the safer bet; late October and November trips often meet mothers with calves heading south, as one October guest found.
If no whales are seen, you get a free return cruise voucher on a standby basis, valid for 12 months. Standby means a spare seat on a later trip, so it helps most if you are staying a few days. Children under 5 cannot come, strollers are not allowed on board, and there is no hotel pickup or food. Offshore it is colder and windier than on the jetty: bring a jacket even on a sunny day.
The listing asks for a windbreaker, jacket, sunglasses and a sun hat. If anyone gets seasick, the local operators suggest asking a pharmacist about tablets before the trip.
Meet AquaMarine Adventures on Teramby Rd by the marina in Nelson Bay. Leave the stroller in the car: it is not allowed on board.
Envision crosses the bay and runs out past Tomaree Head into open water. The boat is quick and the ride can be lively, which is half the fun.
The crew looks for blows and splashes, then slows down alongside. Humpbacks grow up to 18 metres and 40 tonnes (Moonshadow TQC), and they breach, roll and slap their fins.
The listing names oceanic dolphins, seals, sea birds and sometimes penguins. One July guest saw whales, dolphins and a seal on the same trip.
You are back after 1.5 hours. No whales? Ask the crew for your standby voucher before you leave the boat.
★★★★★Great experience. The smaller boat (and group size) meant we got out to the sea quickly, were closer to a whale with her calf and were all able to see well. [...] it was so amazing to see the baby breach a number of times. The crew were great.
★★★★★We loved it! The boat was quick, clean and comfortable. Matt and Lisa were friendly, fun, helpful and knowledgeable. And we saw quite a few whales, dolphins and a seal! Amazing experience!
★★★★★Loved every second. I'd been on about 6 other whale watching trips out and this is the first time I got breaching whales. Just incredible day all round
★★★★★I had the best day, crew were excellent, whales came up close, we saw breaching, tail flapping, it felt like they were eveywhere!. Also saw a baby shark and dolphins, we got it all!
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Humpbacks pass Port Stephens between May and November. Moonshadow TQC runs its 2026 whale cruises from 23 May into the second week of November, and Imagine Cruises guarantees sightings from 1 June to 1 November.
On this cruise you get a free return cruise voucher on a standby basis, valid for 12 months from the date it is issued. The guarantee is a voucher, not a cash refund.
Up to 12 guests on Envision, a 40-foot power cat with 360-degree viewing, so every seat has a clear view.
Children under 5 cannot join, and strollers are not allowed on board. For toddlers, the Koala Sanctuary or a calm-water dolphin cruise works better.
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A 1.5-hour run out to the humpbacks for up to 12 guests, with a free standby trip if no whales show.
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