4 Standout Newcastle Whale Watching Tours

1.Port Stephens: Whale Watching Cruise

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

Join Moonshadow-TQC Cruises from Nelson Bay between May and November for a 2.5-hour ocean cruise in search of migrating humpback whales. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, listen to live commentary, and watch from open decks or indoor seating. Dolphins, seals, and seabirds may also appear, while drinks are available to buy on board.

“Great views of the migrating whales, good opportunities for photographs and video. Trip uses a modern comfortable boat with a friendly crew.”

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2.Newcastle Whale Watching Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $60Top rated

Join NOVA Cruises from Honeysuckle Marina for a 2.5 to 3 hour whale-watching voyage along Newcastle’s coast. Look for humpback whales, dolphins, seabirds, seals, penguins, and sharks, while enjoying harbour and outer beach views, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and morning or afternoon tea. Indoor and outdoor viewing areas make this a flexible choice.

“We saw whales spouts before we left the harbor just amazing, mom and calf around us. Obviously they did not get to close but we followed several crests, tail waves and spouts. fun and exciting. waves were substantial, if weather permits, go on top”

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3.Small Group Humpback Whale Encounter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 2 hours · from $88

Leave Newcastle’s Honeysuckle Foreshore on CoastXP’s two-hour whale cruise, limited to 20 people. Your English-speaking guide, such as Dom, Glen, Jane, or Dominic, explains whale behavior, coastal landmarks, and geology while you search for humpbacks, dolphins, and fur seals. Jackets, a marine toilet, and a free return trip if no whales appear are included.

“Absolutely fantastic day. We were travelling with a pod of 50 - 70 dolphins all around the boat.”

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4.Humpback Whale Watching Cruise and Harbor Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 30 reviews · 2h 30m · from $60

NOVA Cruises takes you from Newcastle Harbour into open water on a 2.5-hour, 16-meter catamaran cruise. You’ll scan for humpback whales, hear live English commentary, enjoy harbor and outer beach views, and use indoor or upper-deck viewing areas. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and morning or afternoon tea are included.

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