The 4 Best Port Stephens Cruises - Platter & Cocktail Cruises, See Dolphins, Whales & More

Planning a trip to Port Stephens? Instead of sticking to the coast, set sail and discover the wonders on the water . The area is blessed with diverse aquatic life, pristine waters, and gorgeous beaches, so there’s something for everyone.

Love animals? Go on a Port Stephens dolphin cruise to see the adorable creatures in their natural habitat. If dolphins aren’t your thing, there are also whale watching tours in the port. Keen to enjoy the view with some snacks? Choose a cruise that includes full-course meals and bevvies.

Since there are so many Port Stephens cruises to pick from, we’ve narrowed it down to these four to help you choose which one floats your boat:

Live music, flavourful three-course meal, refreshing drinks, and a 2.5-hour cruise—is there anything better?

On this Port Stephens sunset cruise, give your eyes and taste buds a treat as you enjoy the freshly-cooked dinner amidst the crystal clear waters of the bay. Departing from the port, grab a glass of your favourite cocktail or beer and watch the sun go down. The vessel will go through the inlets, giving you plenty of time to take Insta-worthy photos and soak in the views of idyllic white-sand beaches.

The mood lighting, intimate ambience, and great views make it the perfect setting for a special night out. You and your partner can marvel at the stunning scenery at the triple 360 degree viewing decks.

Enjoy a jam-packed day exploring Broughton Island on one of the best Port Stephens cruises! Departing from Port Stephens, experience paradise as you chill along the sandy beach, encounter the local wildlife (shearwaters, penguins, seagulls!), and enjoy a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to bring your own snorkelling gear to enjoy the clear waters of Esmeralda Cove.

Looking for a Port Stephens dolphin cruise? This tour is just what the doctor ordered.

Set sail and see dolphins in their natural habitat. Watch and listen as your captains provide a lively commentary on the surrounding inlets, waterways, and dolphins. Take your camera with you and make the most out of the spacious viewing deck on this Port Stephens dolphin watch cruise. 

Can’t get enough of animals? Go on this Port Stephens whale cruise and marvel at massive humpback whales. Make sure you’ve got your cameras ready to capture whales breathing through their blowholes and, if you’re lucky, see them make giant leaps out of the water!

Since bottlenose dolphins live in the NSW’s North Coast, you can see them all year round! They typically stay in bays and inlets, where the water is warm and shallow. The most convenient way to encounter the animals is on a Port Stephens dolphin cruise. The experts know the best areas and times to spot the adorable creatures.

Unlike Port Stephens dolphin cruises throughout the year, whale watching tours begin mid-May until early November. Humpback whales migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to the warmer conditions of Australia's North Coast to mate and give birth.