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Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

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Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a 1.5-hour afternoon dolphin-watching cruise that takes you directly to the best spots for sightings of wild bottlenose dolphins. Learn about the playful creatures from your onboard guide and enjoy fantastic views of the Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands as well. Bring your swim gear as there are opportunities to take a dip or ride in the boom net.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Please note we do not run on Christmas Day

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Baby prams are not permitted on board our vessels. Collapsible strollers are permitted but cannot be taken to areas other than the main cabin of the vessel, upon boarding our friendly crew will advise passengers on where the stroller may be stored.

Please Bring: Comfortable casual clothing and footwear, Sunglasses, hat, Sun Cream, Camera. We recommend dressing warmer for winter months

If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding seasickness medication.

**TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL:** The passenger acknowledges that during the cruise the vessel will be and will remain under the absolute control of the company, and that the direction and control of the vessel and its crew is at all times the sole responsibility of the Master of the vessel. Moonshadow TQC reserves the right to refuse entry of a passenger on the vessel. It is also at the Master's sole discretion to require a passenger to disembark the vessel. Moonshadow TQC reserve the right to cancel or abandon the cruise either prior to or during the cruise, if the Company or Master of the vessel considers that the cancellation is necessary for reasons of weather or in the interest of the safety and well-being of the vessel, its passengers and crew. The Company will not be held liable for any loss or expense incurred by the passengers caused by such substitution or cancellation. Moonshadow TQC does not accept any liability in contract or in tort for any injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by force majeure or other events which are beyond our control, or are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including but not limited to; war, civil disturbance, fire, flood, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any authorities, or failure of machinery (including vessel engines) or equipment or industrial action. Please note smoking is not permitted on any of our cruises. **RISK WARNING:** Care is taken to ensure your safety whilst on board this vessel. However, be warned that there are inherent risks by being aboard any vessel including, but not limited to, movement of the vessel, unpredictable sea conditions, unfamiliar design features such as stairs, coamings and water on decks, slides, boom nets, ancillary equipment used and/or from the vessels etc. Entry onto this vessel is at your own risk. Neither the owner, Master, nor any members of the crew will be liable for any injury to passengers, or damage to passengers property, however occurring. Fares and itinerary are always subject to variation without notice. Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd reserves the right to cancel or vary the cruise specified and reserves the right to refuse to carry any passenger without stating any specific reason. A Moonshadow - TQC Cruises family ticket is valid for 2 Adults and 2 Children (0-14yrs). All children including infants aged from 0-14 years of age (not inclusive in a family ticket) are charged the child rate. Concession rate includes full time students and Australian seniors/old age pensioners upon presentation of student or seniors card. Once on board a Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd vessel all persons are under the authority of the vessel's Captain and Company Management, and are expected to conduct themselves in a socially acceptable manner. The law is clear about the Responsible Service of Alcohol and licenced venues are entitled to refuse service to people who are intoxicated, quarrelsome or disorderly. Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd reserves the right to return to dock and disembark any disorderly passengers without refund. Passengers must not bring any alcoholic beverages or illegal substances onto the vessel. ID may be required to purchase alcoholic beverages. These terms are an integral part of the contract between passengers and Moonshadow TQC Pty Ltd. When your booking/ticket is confirmed, it will be deemed at all times that you have read, understood and accepted the conditions hereof, and agreed to the terms herein contained.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

1

Show your ticket that was sent directly from Moonshadow-TQC via email & text and present this on arrival to our vessel, Moonshadow V. Our friendly crew will be there to meet you and assist with boarding. Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise, and then arrive back at the same dock as you departed from

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Boom-net Rides

The listed price does not include parking fee applicable along with waterfront

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Towels & swimming costume for use in the boom-net

Lunch

Options

1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise

Our 1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise departs onboard Moonshadow V, leaving from Dock C, d'Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay

Reviews

4.48

415 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

277
92
27
8
11
  • Highly recommended for seeing dolphins

    Compass08869498431,Mar 24, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great trip out in the bay and we were lucky enough to see a number of dolphins. Good value for money and a friendly crew

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  • Dolphin Discovery Cruise with Moonshadow was amazing

    U9199YMmonicac,Mar 23, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Amazing experience, staff and crew were amazing and accommodating, helping with my elderly mum. My teens lived the net and slide to cool down in the ocean water. We saw only a handful of dolphins but the experience was amazing

  • Disappointing, Poorly Managed, and Completely Lacking Empathy

    Arth S,Mar 22, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    1.00

    ★☆☆☆☆ — Extremely Disappointing Experience We were really looking forward to this cruise, especially since my dad had traveled from overseas just for this activity. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a huge letdown. We barely saw any dolphins at all. While I understand wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the bigger issue was the complete mismanagement of the bounce net activity — one of the main highlights advertised. The net was only open for about 5–10 minutes, which felt pointless and frustrating. There was absolutely no announcement about how long it would be open or when it would close, so no one could plan accordingly. My dad, who is a senior in his 60s, was especially excited to try the net. When we realized time was running out, we explained our situation to the staff and politely asked if he could just go in briefly — even for 10 seconds — since people were still getting out of the net at that time. The staff showed zero empathy and refused outright, without any attempt to help. My dad couldn’t even try the net. The lack of communication, transparency, and compassion was shocking. What was supposed to be a precious memory with my dad turned into a stressful and upsetting experience. We left feeling unwelcome, disappointed, and honestly insulted. I would not recommend this cruise, especially if you’re traveling far or celebrating something special.

  • Dolphin viewing

    brette862,Mar 16, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great trip saw a few dolphin's 🐬

  • Too Loud music and not much info

    Destination611294,Mar 15, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    2.00

    We went thinking that we will get some information about surroundings, where we are going, some interesting stories or information- but instead after giving us safety info and rules what we should and shouldn’t do he just started loud music and after about 20/30 minutes even other passengers on board were complaining about the very loud music so when I requested to put down the volume they did bit still was very annoying as most of the passengers wanted to listen to the natures sound And were of different nationalities Were not there to party but the captain when politely asked to stop the music so we can talk with friends or listen to the birds or surrounding water sounds, he simply refused and stared talking to his colleague. People who want to listen to loud English music of captain’s choice only those should board Moonlight cruise. Though asked one crew member about where we are going she did explained to us.

  • Nice experience

    teasha j,Mar 14, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    3.00

    Nice, great service and a bubble lady telling us where to see the dolphins. The boat was clean and well timed

  • Enchanting dolphins in Port Stephens

    JulieI180,Feb 25, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Perfect sunny day for a harbour cruise. Definitely need sunglasses, sunscreen and hat! Friendly staff. Emerald sparking water. Delight to see pod of Dolphins swimming and exploring the reef.

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  • Beautiful experience

    mariefW1231GB,Feb 23, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    We spent a lovely 90 minutes on Moonshadow and seeing the dolphins was a beautiful experience. We appreciated the captain's expertise in locating them and sharing his knowledge with us. The cruise felt very well organised and safe.

  • Superb experience with dolphins

    giuseppemE5573HU,Feb 11, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Beautiful cruise with dolphin watching. Absolutely to do! We saw the dolphins from a very close location and the staff contributed to the success of the excursion. I highly recommend it

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  • Dolphin Encounter at port Stephens

    Deepzz17,Feb 5, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Moonshadow TQC Dolphin Cruise was a fantastic experience—spotting dolphins up close in their natural habitat was truly magical. Friendly crew, smooth ride, and well worth it

From A$46.00

Number of Travelers

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