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.
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.
Enjoying the scenery along the way
Safety presentation at the beginning of the 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.
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.
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.
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
