Port Stephens: Dolphin Watch Eco Adventure

About this tour

Cruise Port Stephens Marine Park aboard the MV Osprey, a 24-metre catamaran built for low-impact touring. Ninety minutes scanning the waterways for resident bottlenose dolphins, then sweeping past Jimmy's Beach, Murphy's Gap and Cabbage Tree Island. Depending on conditions, you'll track along Shoal Bay towards Nelson Head—a known diving and snorkelling zone. Watch for penguins, seals, turtles and seabirds as you go. Live narration throughout.

Highlights

• Bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat, Port Stephens
• Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands views from Jimmy's Beach
• Penguins, seals, turtles and native seabirds sightings
• Murphy's Gap and Cabbage Tree Island exploration
• Nelson Head diving and snorkelling point coastal pass
• Eco-designed fast catamaran, all-weather capable vessel

What to expect

You'll board the MV Osprey at Nelson Bay and head into the marine park hunting bottlenose dolphins—the real draw here. The boat covers open water and coves, so expect movement and spray. Weather dictates routing; rough conditions might skip the offshore islands, but you'll still work the nearer bays. Bring binoculars and a camera; sightings aren't guaranteed but are common. The crew provides running commentary on marine life, headlands and local geography. Return journey traces the Shoal Bay coastline back to base.

Good to know

Dress warmly in winter and bring sun protection year-round. Pack seasickness medication if prone; the catamaran's fast and the swell can chop. Parking fees apply at the waterfront. No food or drinks included—bring your own or eat before boarding. Children need adult supervision throughout. Closed Christmas Day.