Boat Tours in Port Stephens: The 8 We Would Pay For

1.Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 926 reviews · 1h 30m · from $28Our pick

Spend 90 minutes cruising Port Stephens from Nelson Bay, watching for wild bottlenose dolphins and taking in Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands. The captain provides live commentary, while the boat adds a licensed bar, toilets, and a boom net for a wet finish. Sightings are not guaranteed, but a return ticket may be offered when dolphins stay out of view.

“Great experience. Saw some dolphins considering the bad weather and the kids loved it. With the boat ride. Highly recommend.”

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2.Port Stephens: Dolphin Discovery Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 401 reviews · from $32

Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises aboard Moonshadow V for a 90-minute dolphin cruise from Nelson Bay. You will search for wild bottlenose dolphins, hear commentary on marine life, photograph Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands, and ride the boom net if conditions suit. Indoor and outdoor seating make it workable in changing weather.

“Friendly staff, great captain, interesting commentary, we were lucky enough to see a small sighting of playful dolphins”

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3.Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & Sandboarding Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 219 reviews · from $145

Travel from Sydney to Port Stephens for a 90-minute dolphin cruise, lunch, the PS Koala Sanctuary, and 4WD sandboarding at Anna Bay. Guides such as Alfie, Gordon, Chen, and Yan are praised for lively commentary. Bring swimwear for the optional boom net and shoes you do not mind filling with sand.

“We had a great day, each part of the experience was good fun. Unfortunately the dolphins were a bit shy so we only saw their fins but nevertheless, the views were lovely! The Koala Sanctuary was special, it’s nice to see them being looked after so well and in a safe space. The sand-boarding was really fun too, but expect some energy to be drained walking up the sandy hill each time you want to go down it! I went down it 3 or 4 times but that was more than enough. I’d suggest not wearing trainers for this part as they will get ruined with the sand; I wore…”

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4.Port Stephens: 2.5-Hour Whale Watching & Outer Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 156 reviews · from $53

Cruise from Nelson Bay past Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands toward Port Stephens’ Outer Islands aboard the Hinchinbrook Explorer or MV Osprey. You’ll watch for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds from two outdoor decks, with indoor seating, tea, coffee, and live English commentary. Bring sunscreen, layers, and motion-sickness medicine.

“Great experience! Saw lots of dolphins but you have to be patient for the whales”

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5.Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 108 reviews · from $54

Cruise from Nelson Bay for about 2.5 hours during Port Stephens whale season, May to November. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, hear live commentary, and watch for humpback whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds from open decks or indoor seating aboard a comfortable catamaran.

“Very informative got to see a whale breaching and multiple whales blowing and a couple of tail flicks. Saw some dolphins and seals as well.”

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6.Nelson Bay: Dolphin Watch Cruise and Sail

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 74 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35

Spend 90 minutes aboard Imagine, a spacious sailing catamaran, searching Nelson Bay for bottlenose dolphins. You get 360-degree views, tea and coffee, a dry bow net, and a wet boom net for swimmers. The crew shares local information, and if no dolphins appear, you can return free.

“Very pleasant experience. Kids love the front boom net and watching the beautiful dolphins so closely. The staff are very friendly and helpful.”

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7.Port Stephens Day Trip with Dolphin Cruise or Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 64 reviews · 12 hours · from $90

Leave Sydney early for Anna Bay’s moving sand dunes, where a 4WD ride and sandboarding set the pace. In Nelson Bay, choose a dolphin cruise with marine commentary or hike Mount Tomaree for harbour views. Guides including James, Mac, Carol, Maikel, and Stefan are known for friendly help, photos, and local tips.

“Our guide Aurelio was amazing and helpful! He made the experience a lot of fun and provided a lot of tips and insight! He was so fun and took lots of pictures and made sure everyone was happy! It was a great experience!”

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8.Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 47 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Set sail from d’Albora Marina aboard Imagine Cruises’ 54-foot catamaran for a three-hour search for migrating humpback whales. You’ll have covered deck space, informative English commentary, tea and coffee, and use of warm jackets and blankets when needed. Dolphins, fur seals, and seabirds may join the show.

“This is a great way to spend a few hours. Captain and crew are knowledgeable, helpful and courteous, taking the time to explain the pre and post-European history of the area, as well as the wildlife spotted. We'll be back.”

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