Dolphin Tours in Port Stephens: 8 Days Out With the Prices Attached

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 Dolphin, Koalas, Lunch & Sandboarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 211 reviews · from $142Top rated

Leave Sydney at 6:45 a.m. for Port Stephens, where you’ll cruise for bottlenose dolphins, visit the Koala Sanctuary, eat an Aussie-style lunch, and ride a 4WD onto Stockton Dunes for sandboarding. Guides such as Alfie, Yan, Gordon, Chen, and Tom are praised for friendly help. Expect a long day, with about six hours on the road.

“Got to see some dolphins, weather too hot for sand dunes, Koala Sanctuary a hit / miss. Journey to and fro from Sydney CBD about 6 hours”

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5.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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6.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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7.Port Stephens: 1hr Dolphin Watch Express

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 1 hour · from $35

Cruise Port Stephens aboard the red Envision boat, looking for resident Bottlenose dolphins around Shoal Bay and Jimmy’s Beach. You get 360-degree views, live English commentary, and a small-group feel rather than a crowded catamaran. Guides such as Matt and Sophie add local insight, humor, and useful photo help.

“We had a wonderful trip with Matt. Matt was friendly, positive, funny and accommodating. He was very calm natured and showed a deep level of respect for the dolphins. The trip was very informative about the area, Islands, Dolphins and other wildlife. Matt clearly loves what he does and knows his stuff. We saw lots of gorgeous dolphins at a distance that we felt comfortable with in a conservation focused way. This is something we care a lot about when booking trips and activities. The boat is in great condition and we felt safe throughout. The length of time felt perfect. A lovely , therapeutic morning at sea. Thank you…”

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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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