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Port StephensCruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Port Stephens Cruises & boat tours

Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

1. Port Stephens: Dolphin Watching Cruise

Take a cruise around magnificent Port Stephens Harbour on the biggest boat in the bay. Keep an eye out for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins as you head out on the water. Take in the sights of Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, and the Northern Harbour as you sit back and relax on the deck area. If you feel like getting a bit wet, slide down the waterslide that twist and twirls into our boomnet. Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary on board. If you feel like indulging in something a little different, there is a licensed bar on board that you can choose to purchase from. 

Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

2. Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

Port Stephens enjoys the most excellent whale season and the mighty Hinchinbrook Explorer catamaran will help you enjoy this! With approximately 2.5 hours out on the water, you are sure to enjoy a beautiful experience of whale watching and wildlife sightings! Cruise out past Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands in search of the majestic Humpback whales as they migrate close by Port Stephens. You won’t forget the sight of a 40-tonne whale propelling itself skyward and crashing back into the ocean. Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays - spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and ... the breathtaking breach. Cruise to the Outer Islands with the chance of also seeing huge pods of oceanic dolphins (100 to a pod), offshore sea birds and other species of whale including pilot, minke and brydes. This 30 meters (100 feet) in length catamaran provides you with a very comfortable and safe journey. It has full walk around decks for viewing and large air conditioned indoor areas. Enjoy tea and coffee, and entertaining and informative commentary.

Nelson Bay: 1.5-hour Guided Whale Watching Cruise

3. Nelson Bay: 1.5-hour Guided Whale Watching Cruise

We get you up close & personal with the very best of what Port Stephens has to offer. We move quickly, but safely & smoothly through the water, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the beautiful Marine Park. We’ll also be on the lookout for pods of Oceanic Dolphins, you may have the chance to see penguins, sea birds, seals and much more. Travel onboard the fast 40ft power cat Envision, focusing on a thrilling and fun ride on the water. With a small number of guests your experience will be relaxed, personalised, and crowd-free.

From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding

4. From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding

Enjoy the scenic drive from Sydney to Nelson Bay. Experience a dolphin watching cruise. Explore and sand board the famous Stockton Sand Dunes at Birubi Beach and visit one of Port Stephens’ wineries. Day Tour includes: Express Premium coach transfers from Sydney to Port Stephens and return Dolphin watching cruise 4WD and sand boarding See the Worlds Largest Coastal moving Sand Dunes at Anna Bay. Visit Port Stephens Winery Complimentary bottled water

Nelson Bay: Port Stephens Island Snorkel Adventure Cruise

5. Nelson Bay: Port Stephens Island Snorkel Adventure Cruise

Don’t miss this stunning Outer Island & Ocean Adventure. Anchoring in a fabulous, secluded location for a snorkel or swim in clear and protected waters Travel onboard the fast 40ft power cat Envision, focusing on a thrilling and fun ride on the water. With a small number of guests your experience will be relaxed, personalised, and crowd-free. Once the cruise arrives at our destination, your experienced guide will introduce you to the islands’ underwater world, fill with wobbegongs, rays, corals, sponges and a variety of fish. If you prefer not to snorkel, you’re welcome to swim in the shallows. Our experienced crew will take you to the best location on the day. Please note This is an offshore cruise and is not suitable for children under 5 years This is an offshore excursion and is subject to weather and sea conditions Must be a competent swimmer for this cruise option

Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo

6. Port Stephens Small Group Dolphins & Dunes Combo

Travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge towards the North Coast region of Port Stephens. With crystal clear waters, Port Stephens boasts over 26 pristine beaches, National Parks, diverse marine life and allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Embrace the local atmosphere and grab a bite to eat for lunch (own expense) at one of the many cafes at Nelson Bay.  Join a dolphin watching cruise as you search for local bottlenose dolphins within the bay. Meet the crew and relax on the spacious viewing decks, help yourself to free tea or coffee or enjoy a drink from the licensed bar. You will have the opportunity swim in the boom net attached to the boat so make sure to bring your swim suit and a towel. Next go to Stockton Beach where you can dip your toes in the ocean before jumping on board a big 4WD vehicle to go over the huge dunes to find the biggest dunes possible for all the sand boarding you can handle.

Nelson Bay: 1-hour Dolphin Watching Cruise with Commentary

7. Nelson Bay: 1-hour Dolphin Watching Cruise with Commentary

Port Stephens has over 100 resident Dolphins that live in the Bay….on our crowd-free 'Dolphin Watch Express' we'll spend time getting to know these friendly 'locals'. 'Envision' moves through the water quickly, but safely and smoothly - you'll want your camera handy as we cruise along beautiful Shoal Bay, past our iconic Headlands and across to 'Dolphin hot-spot Jimmy's Beach. Relaxed - Personalised - Crowd-Free! Dolphin Guarantee - Free Return if no Dolphins seen during the cruise Chat with our Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew Enjoy 360° viewing Hear some Interesting & Informative Commentary

Port Stephens Small Group Whales & Dunes Combo

8. Port Stephens Small Group Whales & Dunes Combo

Travel over the Sydney Harbor Bridge towards the North Coast region of Port Stephens. With crystal clear waters, Port Stephens boosts over 26 pristine beaches, national parks, diverse marine life and allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. First stop is the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere where you jump in a big 4WD vehicle to ride over the huge dunes to find the biggest dunes possible so you can sand board down them! A real adventure and lots of fun! After lunch (own expense) at the Nelson Bay Marina where you can enjoy the local atmosphere join a whale watching cruise sailing out to sea to get close to these amazing creatures as they journey between Antarctica and the tropical Pacific islands. Keep watch for breeches, tail flaps and spy hopping when they take a good look at you! Be amazed as you cruise among the biggest creatures on earth. Learn more about these animals and the fight to protect them from hunting. Watch carefully to see the humpback whales playfully show off some whale acrobatics as they migrate along our coast.

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Frequently asked questions about Port Stephens Cruises & boat tours

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Other Sightseeing Options in Port Stephens

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What people are saying about Port Stephens

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 84 reviews

Nice and easy cruise, friendly staff. Takes off from the main city center and dolphins are not guaranteed but it’s a good experience! Plenty of food and shop options at the port Stephens local and lots of other activity nearby / needs a car though

Didn't get to see many dolphins the first time. Got a standby voucher and went again the second day. Good service, nice boat.

Great cruise, awesome Staff, very informative, lovely cocktails, well worth it

Good experience, can see dolphin closer. Comfortable for family.

Amazing to see the dolphins and stop and take photos.