Whale watching with kids in Port Stephens
With whale season running from May/June through to October, it’s the perfect window to catch these magnificent creatures as they cruise past our coastline on their annual migration.
If you’re searching for a local adventure with wow factor, one of the best places to go is aboard the iconic sailing catamaran Imagine, departing from Nelson Bay in Port Stephens.
As a local family, we’ve spent plenty of time watching the magic of the “Humpback Highway” from land, but we’d never experienced it from the deck of a sailing catamaran. We were keen to see the whales in a relaxed, eco-friendly way, so we signed up for the three-hour Whale & Dolphin Watch Cruise.
Led by a crew passionate about marine biology and eco-tourism, it promised a relaxed encounter just beyond the Tomaree headlands.
A huge benefit of the twin-hull catamaran is its stability. It feels steady and grounded, a huge relief for anyone (big or small!) who might be prone to sea sickness.
A Coastal Classroom
Another benefit of choosing a tour like Imagine is the focus on the environment. It actually felt like a marine education session for the kids, just with much better views!
We were lucky enough to have the owner, Frank, on board with us. We were amazed to hear that when he first started taking tours back in 1995, there were only around 1,500 whales migrating up and down our coast.
Today, closer to 45,000 travel past on their annual migration, heading north from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Queensland to give birth, before returning south with their calves later in the season.
It’s a pretty incredible conservation success story to think about while you’re scanning the horizon for a splash!
Whale Watching Wins (and a Few Dolphins Too!)
Our October cruise was roughly divided into three parts: an hour heading out to find the pods, an hour of slow cruising to watch the whales, and an hour for the return trip.
While every trip is different, during our cruise, we were lucky enough to spot between six and eight whales in total. The major highlight was seeing two mums with their calves. Watching the babies splashing next to their mothers was a core memory for me, and one the kids will never forget.
As an added bonus, we saw plenty of ocean birdlife and spotted a pod of dolphins on the way back, giving everyone a great view from the deck.
Tips for Parents
If the kids start to get a little restless during the three-hour window, a ride in the dry bow net is just the thing to distract them. Our two absolutely loved climbing into the net and feeling the rush of the water underneath them as we sailed.
Here’s a few more tips to make the most of your whale watch adventure:
- Layer Up: Even in the sun, expect the open water to be much cooler than the marina. A windproof jacket is essential, and beanies and scarves are highly recommended for maximum comfort while whale spotting.
- Sun Protection: The glare off the ocean is intense, even in winter. Don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Pack Snacks: While the boat offers light refreshments, having a few snacks or treats on hand will keep the kids happy during the cruise back to the marina.
- Bring Binoculars: While the whales often come quite close, kids will love being the first to spot a blowhole in the distance.
- Managing Downtime: Whale watching is exciting, but it does require patience. To manage the quiet gaps between sightings, it helps to have some colouring or small games handy. Playing a game of “Spot the Blow” with the kids is also a great way to keep them focused on the horizon as you approach the end of the three-hour trip.
- Make a Day of it: After your cruise head to the Apex Park playground, right next door to the marina, for some fish and chips while the kids burn off their “sea legs” energy.
Good to know
Imagine Cruises Address: Shop 7 The Cascade Walk, 6 Stockton Street Nelson Bay NSW
Phone: (02) 4984 9000
Website: Imagine Cruises
Departure Point: Dock C, d’Albora Marina, 6 Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: (Prices current May 2026) Adults $86.50, Children $41 (4-14 years), Family $220 (2 adult + 2 children), 1 adult + 2 children $133, Concession $81.50 (student, pension, senior), Infant $10.50 (0-3 years).
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry! Between June 1st and November 1st, Imagine offers a Whale Guarantee. If you don’t spot a whale during your tour, you receive a FREE return trip.
While the catamaran is spacious, it’s best to leave the stroller in the car if possible. If you have a carrier for younger children, that’s often a much easier way to move around the deck.
Yes, there are marine toilets available on the boat. Before you board, you can use the facilities at the marina.
You are welcome to bring small, mess-free snacks and water bottles. There is also a licensed bar on board with snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Because Imagine is a catamaran (two hulls), it is generally more stable than a traditional boat. However, if your kids are prone to motion sickness, consider seasickness tablets, or a natural ginger remedy about 30 minutes before departure.
There is plenty of parking near d’Albora Marina in Nelson Bay, but it can get busy on weekends and during school holidays, so give yourself an extra 15 minutes to find a spot!
Looking for other activities in the Nelson Bay area? Here’s some inspiration: