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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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
Come and see why Port Stephens is regarded as the Dolphin Capital of Australia. This cruise has a very high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. This cruise offers an exceptional opportunity for guests to witness the playful and intelligent nature of dolphins. Additionally, guests can enjoy the thrill boom netting ride. Throughout the cruise, knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided, enhancing the overall experience for guests. The cruise also offers a picturesque view of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.
Our 1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise departs onboard Moonshadow V, leaving from Dock C, d'Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay
387 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sharon T,
Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
Huge boat set up with dining tables, not very good for a short dolphin cruise. We didn’t actually manage to see a few dolphins but not many.
P9202SAdonnag,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Nice cruise, great staff. Didn't see any dolphins. Not sure if this was due to the low tide but it was disappointing . Maybe the afternoon cruise is better
kattdk,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Price was great. The moonshadow had plenty of room indoors and outside with 3 decks. The 10.30am cruise was a great time so all finished by lunchtime to step off the boat straight into one of the waterfront cafes and restaurants. Only one and a half hours long and we thought there would be plenty of dolphins but only one pod showed up busy feeding so we couldn’t get too close although we could see them. The waterslide and especially the boom net saw a lot of action. A good experience with stunning views. With the stairs and narrow entry it is not really suitable for wheelchairs.


Karen S,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
We have seen dolphins, but thought they would get closer to the ship and jump properly. Maybe a smaller boat is better for this experience.
344mingt,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
beautiful scenic cruise! we spotted a few dolphins and enjoyed the trip from beginning to the end. very friendly service too.
colletteh143,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Lovely tour well worth the experience and fee. Saw some dolphins which was great. Every member of staff was vigilant professional and very friendly. Would recommend you spend the 2 hours on this enjoyable experience.
309glendam,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful day, the crew were great and very helpful. The amount of dolphins that we seen were amazing. So many the crew said they might be mating as they were very active. Wonderful day
Abdul A,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
My wife and I had a great time. The captain made an announcement to welcome us on board as we celebrate a special event. Thank you.
danii wo,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We didn’t see all that many dolphins but the experience was great. Fantastic day, good length of time, bring your yoga as they have a water slide off the back of the boat.





Daydream31641804671,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We enjoyed our morning trip out and had lovely sunny weather. We were so lucky to see lots of Bottlenose Dolphins. When we are in Port Stephens, we always book a trip with Moonshadow Cruises. Friendly and helpful staff.
Operated by Moonshadow - TQC Cruises