Port Stephens: Splash 'n' Slide Dolphin Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a 2-hour 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, splash and slide or use 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.

**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‘s Included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Driver/guide

Boom-net Rides

Splash and slide

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

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Towels & swimming costume for use in the boom-net

Snacks

What To Expect

Sail on for sightings of wild bottlenose dolphins exploring the magical world of Port Stephens, above and below the water. Cruise the harbour and meet the resident dolphins on the daily Dolphin Watch Cruise. There are approximately 160 dolphins living in the harbour! Enjoy fantastic views of the Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands This 2 hour splash and slide cruise operates November - April daily at 11am or 1:30pm. Additional 4pm on weekends and NSW School Holidays • See the world famous resident wild bottlenose dolphins • Exciting boomnet rides • Ride, slide and splash on our awesome waterslide • Relax in our on board Spa (MV Spirit Only) • Twin level with walk around decks • Complimentary morning or afternoon tea • Licensed bar and snack food available • Live, informative, fun, captains commentary • 99% success sighting rate, free return cruise if no dolphins sighted

Options

2hr Splash & Slide

2hr Splash & Slide departing on MV Spirit of MV Spirit of Port

Reviews

4.75

61 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Very well organized dolphin cruise!!
Munadir K,
Apr 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Was very well organized, the slide was an absolute blast!! The crew were very patient when everyone were rushing to get into the water net. They did a splendid job in accommodating everyone. A+++
Must do when in Port Stephens, and every time you are in Port Stephens.
lesiab300,
Apr 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The most delightful tour! Must do when in Port Stephens, and every time you are in Port Stephens. It's one of those tours you can and will do many times. The value for the money it cost is insane! It's not a new boat, but very well maintained and cared for. Everything is neat and tidy, new nonslip coat, edging, seating, counter. Brand new net and floating mat. The staff is just lovely. The captain quickly found two families of dolphins, we spent time with them, then back across the harbour to a quiet location for water activities. Sitting in the net when the boat was quietly cruising was super fun for all ages! Then a slide, jumping in the water from the boat, playing on a large floating mat. It was really fun, time went quickly, but also we felt like we spend a lot on a boat, got tired and it was not too soon. 2 hours is a good length packed with memories. Of few companies that run similar tours this is the only I'm aware of that has a slide. It is also the smalest boat - comes water play time you will be glad you have twice less people arround. Net and floating mat was not crowded at all, swiming and jumping in a water was never obstructed. You have people arround to laugh with but it's not too many and very p[ersonal. We crossed the harbor twice and the captain did it artfully, with thought about those who might get sea sick. Waves are very small on this harbour. Yet the captain chose to go perpendicular to waves most of the way, untill he reached sheltered are where there was no waves at all. It was much longer way, was not really necessary as waves were small, but a nice and appreciated gesture. The trip was perfectly smoth and easy even for a family member who ussualy get very seasick from just looking at the boat, and forgot seasickness medication this time.
Great value trip. Definitely recommend.
caz632016,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brilliant trip. Staff were excellent throughout. They found several pods of dolphins including a newborn which was a real treat. The dip in the water at the end was a welcome relief.
Awesome day on Port Stephens - the home of Bottle Nose Dolphins
JP0Jac,
Mar 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Cruising on Port Stephens is a pleasure, the boat and the crew were fantastic. We saw a few inquisitive dolphins and enjoyed the side net and the water slide. A great way to see the vastness of an amazing part of the NSW coast. ..... and there's beers on board!
Bumped off a booked time due to bus loads of tourist.
E9571LSmarilyns,
Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
We were bumped from a cruise 1.5 hours before the cruise was to leave because they said "we were the only 6 people booked for that time" we had made the booking at least a month before. We accepted a later time, I asked why the short notice for the cancellation of the cruise and was told they were "waiting to see if any more booking came in overnight." Just before boarding for the afternoon cruise we notice 2 bus load of tourists getting off the boat. There was an earlier cruise that day confirmed by a crew member who said it had only rained a little that morning. Given the option we may have chosen to go at the later time but we were lied to about the reason for the cancellation of our booking.
Fun experience
V5902AKvanessam,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I would totally recommend this cruise, the crew was so nice and slide and the net were so fun to go on. Will totally do this again
Valuable
Departure47558122742,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I recommended this cruise and the time schedule is great. Have a fun for swimming and watching the dolphins, and then back to harbor at lunch time. It’s clean boat and can buy the snack and water on the boat.
Highly recommend this cruise. Must try the slide!!
Melani123,
Jan 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We went as a family of 6 with older kids/ young adults. Loved the boom net but the slide was the best. Friendly staff who were attentive. I enjoyed the commentary about the dolfins we found in abundance as well as Nelsons bay.
Second Time Tour
ellenhE2943WF,
Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We returned for our second cruise with Moonshadow, after doing the same cruise in January 2024. Second time around was just as good as the first! The crew were all fantastic, friendly and knowledgeable and did a wonderful job. We will be back again next year!
No dolphins watch. No life jackets 😞
amirmY6289PJ,
Jan 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
No dolphin watch at all. Also, The staff didn't provide life jackets so I couldn't swim. I did not enjoy my time and I am disappointed.