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Moonshadow Whale Watch Cruise

Home > Central Coast > Adventure | Animals and Wildlife | Cruises | Family | Nature
by Ivana Katz (subscribe)
Ivana is passionate about travel, writing and creating memories. Check out her adventures at www.adventurehq.com.au. By day Ivana is a website designer at www.web4business.com.au
Published October 3rd 2013
Be amazed by these gentle giants
It's no secret that I love dolphins. I will take any opportunity to go and see them, but since it's a whale watch season I decided to expand my horizons and go on a whale watch cruise with Moonshadow Cruises in Nelson Bay.



Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
Waiting to board the vessel


I was a little nervous at first, knowing that we would be out in the open sea and the water was likely to be a little rougher than it is in the bay. Armed with seasickness tablets I boarded the 3 hour cruise with my 12 year old son.

Being one of the largest whale watch vessels in the Port Stephens area, the cruise was relatively smooth and very enjoyable. The further out we headed the larger the waves got and I was relieved to know that my motion sickness tablets were working. I was feeling great and enjoying the scenery as we sailed along.

Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
Enjoying the scenery along the way


Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
Safety presentation at the beginning of the cruise


Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
Complimentary coffee and tea aboard the ship


The staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and happy to answer questions about the whales. For example, did you know that between 9,000 – 12,000 whales pass the Port Stephens area on their migration north between May and August and then again as they head back south between August and mid November.

There are eight species of whales in the Port Stephens area – Humpback whales, Minke Whales, Southern Right Whales, False Killer Whales, Sei Whales, Pilot Whales, Brydes Whales, Fin Whales and Orcas.

Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
On our way out of the bay


I was very excited to spot a whale at a distance. The captain followed it for a while and we were all thrilled to see it come up again and again. After a while it disappeared, so we cruised further out hoping to spot more of these giant creatures. And again we were rewarded. The captain stopped the boat for a while so we could observe the whales but it meant we could feel the rocking of the waves a lot more.

Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
A whale makes its first appearance


Unfortunately junior started feeling seasick and went to lie down. The staff yet again stepped up and helped me look after him, supplying us with ice to chew on and giving us tips on how to handle seasickness. One of the ladies even gave him a little dolphin he could cuddle. I was so grateful for their assistance and kindness. Luckily as soon as the boat started moving again, junior quickly perked up and was all smiles.

Moonshadow Cruises, Whale Watch Cruise, Port Stephens, Nelson Bay, Dolphin Cruise
Junior resting with his new cuddly friend


Moonshadow Cruises offer a number of cruises:

Dolphin Watch Cruise – 1.5 hour cruise with a 99% success rate in dolphin sightings

Whale Watch Cruise (May to November) – 3 hour cruise with excellent humpback whale sighting rate

Twilight Dinner Cruise – Includes appetisers on arrival followed by modern Australian buffet including seafood

Newcastle Harbour City Sights and Sounds Cruise – Operates every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday

... and many others

Moonshadow Cruises also offer combination packages including:
Dolphin Watch Cruise & Beach & Dune 4WD Tour
Whale Watch & Sandboarding 4WD Tour
Whale Watch & Beach & Dune 4WD Tour

For more information or to book a cruise visit the Moonshadow Cruise website

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Why? Watch giant whales as they migrate north and south
When: May to November
Where: Shop 3, 35 Stockton Street, Nelson Bay
Cost: Adults - $48, Children $20
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