moonshadow cruises nelson bay

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Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

With a variety of cruises on offer by Moonshadow-TQC Cruises, there is a cruise available to suit everybody.

With the longest history and largest boats in Port Stephens Moonshadow-TQC Cruises has operated as a family-owned business for over 40 years.

MOONSHADOW-TQC CRUISE TIMES:

DOLPHIN WATCH CRUISES DAILY - 10.30am and 1.30pm. Choose from our Dolphin Discovery Cruise, Splash 'n' Slide Cruise or Dolphin Watch Eco Adventure.

WHALE WATCH CRUISES (BETWEEN MAY & NOVEMBER) - 10am & 1.30pm. Over 40,000 whales pass our shores during the annual whale migration, and the best way to see them is with Moonshadow-TQC. 

BROUGHTON ISLAND CRUISE: with bonus dolphin watch from December - April; Departs 10am Sundays plus Wednesday during NSW School Holidays.  If you are looking for a full day of cruising, snorkelling, swimming, exploring and eating, you can't go past the Broughton Island National Park Cruise.

NEW YEARS EVE FAMILY FIREWORKS CRUISE - 31 December - The best vantage points for the end of Year fireworks at Nelson Bay. 

Cruises DEPART from various locations from d'Albora Marina, Nelson Bay OR Cruise Passenger Terminal, 40 Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay.

Should a cruise not operate for any reason passengers will be offered an alternative day of travel or a refund will be authorised.

Tentative bookings are held for 7 days unless otherwise advised.

At the time of booking a cruise, you must pay for it in full.

Standard Cruises

• 100% cancellation charge within 24 hours of departure time
• A travel voucher or refund with more than 24 hours' notice

Pre-booked catered cruises

• 50% cancellation charge within 48 hours of departure time
• A travel voucher or refund with more than 48 hours' notice

A fee of $10 may be charged to cover administration costs for any booking amendments.

d'Albora Marinas, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay and Cruise Passenger Wharf Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay

Upcoming Events Broughton Island Historical Cruise with John 'Stinker' Clarke

Wednesday 12 June | Departing at 10am, Nelson Bay

Join Moonshadow TQC & John 'Stinker' Clarke on one of our guided historical tours to Broughton Island!

Fingal Island Historical Cruise with John 'Stinker' Clarke

Wednesday 1 May | 9:30am, Nelson Bay

Join Moonshadow TQC & John 'Stinker' Clarke and enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to climb Fingal Lighthouse

Broughton Island Historical Cruise with John 'Stinker' Clarke

Wednesday 15 May | Departing at 10am, Nelson Bay

Cancellation Policy

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

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Moonshadow - TQC Cruises Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

MOONSHADOW - TQC CRUISES (Nelson Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Accommodation
• Travel Inspiration

• things to do

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

Moonshadow TQC is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, only 2.5 hours north of Sydney, and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport. With over 40 years of experience and boasting the largest vessels in Port Stephens, Moonshadow - TQC Cruises gets you close to the action quickly and safely.

Join their Dolphin Cruises that depart daily in search of the resident Bottlenose dolphins, with a 99 per cent success rate in sightings. Enjoy boom-net rides whilst taking in spectacular views of Port Stephens (depart daily except Christmas Day).

Get up close and personal with friendly giants on their Whale-watching cruises, when over 40,000 humpback whales pass their shores during the annual whale migration from May to November.

Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens, which is Broughton Island on their full day cruise adventure out to Broughton Island National Park.

Explore the magnificent Islands of Port Stephens. Explore the picturesque Broughton Island cruise or join their range of Historical Cruises, hosted in collaboration with local historian and legend, John 'Stinker' Clarke.

Make your next special event a private charter aboard Moonshadow - TQC Cruises with six vessels all equipped for all occasions and catering for casual and formal events.

Sustainability

Certified by ecotourism australia.

Ecotourism Australia uses standards that are internationally recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Ecotourism Australia's certification programs assure travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to environmental, socio-economic and culturally sustainable practices.  

1.5 hour Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure

Historical Cruises with John 'Stinker' Clarke

1.5 hour Dolphin Discovery Cruise

2.5 hour Whale Watching Cruise

2 hour Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise

Broughton Island National Park Outer Island Cruise

It's time to feel new.

Pure joy as you wake to the sunrise. Awe as you make it to the snowy peak. A sense of adventure as you motor across red plains. The relief of rejuvenation as you wade into an alpine stream. Connection as you taste native, fragrant leaves. A sense of belonging as you return to your favourite holiday house. Freedom as you dash into the waves. Discover the endless feelings a visit to NSW can inspire.

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Moonshadow – TQC Cruises

Things to do nelson bay , port stephens , new south wales.

Moonshadow TQC is a family-owned cruise operator based in Port Stephens, only 2.5 hours north of Sydney, and 30 minutes from Newcastle Airport. With over 40 years of experience and boasting the largest vessels in Port Stephens, Moonshadow – TQC Cruises gets you close to the action quickly and safely.

Join their Dolphin Cruises that depart daily in search of the resident Bottlenose dolphins, with a 99 per cent success rate in sightings. Enjoy boom-net rides whilst taking in spectacular views of Port Stephens (depart daily except Christmas Day).

Get up close and personal with friendly giants on their Whale-watching cruises, when over 40,000 humpback whales pass their shores during the annual whale migration from May to November.

Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens, which is Broughton Island on their full day cruise adventure out to Broughton Island National Park.

Explore the magnificent Islands of Port Stephens. Explore the picturesque Broughton Island cruise or join their range of Historical Cruises, hosted in collaboration with local historian and legend, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.

Make your next special event a private charter aboard Moonshadow – TQC Cruises with six vessels all equipped for all occasions and catering for casual and formal events.

From $75 to $120

If you are looking for a full day of cruising, snorkelling, swimming, exploring and eating, you can’t go past the Broughton Island National Park Cruise.

Take in the spectacular island and coastal scenery as the boat makes its way to Broughton Island. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch to enjoy on board or take ashore and explore. After lunch explore on a guided walk to wildlife breeding areas, secluded coves and beaches or enjoy your time relaxing on the beach or in the water.

Bring your snorkelling equipment and enjoy the crystal clear waters, enjoy swimming or just relaxing on the beach.

On the return journey (time permitting) enjoy boom-net rides and bonus dolphin watch.

(Seasonal and weather permitting off-shore sea conditions)

Please note: This is an offshore excursion and is not suitable for children under the age of 5 years.

Disabled Access

From $35 to $40

This cruise has a very high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.

This cruise offers an exceptional opportunity for guests to witness the playful and intelligent nature of dolphins. Additionally, guests can enjoy the thrill boom netting ride. Throughout the cruise, knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

The cruise also offers a picturesque view of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.

Departs daily at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm (except Christmas Day), with an additional 3.:0 pm cruise during Christmas and Easter School Holidays.

From $70 to $75

Port Stephens enjoys an excellent whale season and Hinchinbrook Explorer is the largest whale watch vessel in the bay, purpose-built for ocean cruising. With two viewing decks you can rest assured you’re getting the best view of these friendly giants.

You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is highly likely that you will see spectacular displays – spyhops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and the breathtaking breach.

Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary and a bonus dolphin and outer island cruise – two cruises for the price of one.

From $40 to $45

Moonshadow TQC’s two-hour Splash and Slide Dolphin Watch Cruise ventures onto the Port Stephens harbour onboard the MV Spirit, with a 99 per cent success rate in dolphin sightings, entertaining and informative commentary and scenic harbour cruise including spectacular Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands.

Ride, slide, and splash in the beautiful calm waters of Port Stephens after searching for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins.

MV Spirit is a 60-foot fast Stable Catamaran, with two walk-around all-weather viewing decks, and a licensed bar with snack food available for purchase. There is a large boomnet, water slide and on board salt water spa.

Explore the natural beauty of the Port Stephens Marine Park, onboard the MV Osprey, a 24 metre fast super cat eco-vessel, designed with sustainability in mind.

Your journey starts by searching for the resident Bottlenose Dolphins that call the beautiful Port Stephens’ waterways home. This cruise offers incredible viewing opportunities onboard to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. While cruising offshore, keep your eyes out as you may find penguins, seals, turtles and sea birds.

Venture across to Jimmy’s beach, and take in the spectacular views looking out towards Yacaaba and Tomaree headlands before heading offshore and exploring Murphy’s Gap and Cabbage Tree Island if the weather allows.

Cruising back along the stunning shores of Shoal Bay, catch a glimpse of the boats launching at Little Beach, before returning back to Nelson Bay, showing you Nelson Head to Fly Point, one of the region’s most popular snorkelling and diving spots.

Knowledgeable and entertaining commentary is provided throughout the cruise, including the WWII history of Port Stephens, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

From $89 to $149

Enjoy a full day of cruising with exclusive commentary from local legend, and historian, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke! Moonshadow TQC offers three great historical cruises, that will take you to the gorgeous Broughton Island, explore the western harbour of Port Stephens or climb the Point Stephens Lighthouse on the Fingal Island Historical Tour.

Port Stephens has a rich maritime history and there is no better way to engage and learn about it then from local icon, John ‘Stinker’ Clarke.

Nearby Things to Do

Ezy Kayaks Hawks Nest – guided kayak tours

Hawks Nest, Mid-Coast

Myall Coast Tours

Tea Gardens, Mid-Coast

Aquamarine Adventures

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens

Fingal Bay Beach

Fingal Bay, Port Stephens

Moonshadow – TQC Cruises

4WD Tag-Along and Passenger Tours

Anna Bay, Port Stephens

Also In This Location

• Accommodation

Explore the hidden gem of Port Stephens on our Broughton Island Cruise | Next Date - Sun 28/4

Dolphin Watch Cruises

Port Stephens is home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins and that’s why we call ourselves the Dolphin Capital of Australia!

With a high success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides and a waterside – you can’t go past a Moonshadow – TQC Dolphin Watching Cruise in Nelson Bay.

Dolphin Watch Cruise Inclusions:

• See our world-famous resident wild bottlenose dolphins
• Exciting boom net rides (not on MV Osprey)
• Fun, waterslides
• Expansive open decks or covered all weather indoor viewing
• Fully licensed bar and delicious snack foods available
• Live information, fun Captain’s commentary
• High success sighting rate

Choose between three great dolphin cruises in Nelson Bay:

• Chevron down But what’s the difference Dolphin Discovery Cruise and Splash and Slide Dolphin Watching Cruise?

1.5hr Dolphin Discovery Cruise has the boomnet which is activated in the last 30 minutes of the cruise while in motion.

2hr Splash and Slide Dolphin Watching Cruise stops to activate the slide which lands into the open waters. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina. This cruises slide lands directly into the beautiful waters of Port Stephens therefore to swim on this cruise passengers must be able to swim competently.

• Chevron down Why is the Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure different to the other Dolphin Cruises?

Our  Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure  explores off shore and passes Tomaree and Yacaaba headland, we explore Murphy’s gap and the outer islands of Port Stephens, whereas the other cruises stay inshore. The MV Osprey can get into shallower water, meaning we can venture into areas the other vessels cannot, however the MV Osprey is not equipped with a boomnet.

Dolphin Discovery Cruise (1.5hr) has the boomnet which is activated in the last 30 minutes of the cruise while in motion.

Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise  (2hr) stops to activate the slide which lands into the open waters. The boomnet is activated on the return journey to the marina. We recommend confident swimmers for this cruise if they wish to utilise the slide.

• Most Popular
• Ticket All Ages
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Dolphin Discovery Cruise

Come and see why Port Stephens is regarded as the Dolphin capital of Australia!

Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Watching cruise with a  high success rate in dolphin sightings, boom net rides, and entertaining commentary. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbour, including the awe-inspiring Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands, a truly memorable and scenic journey.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Splash and Slide Dolphin Cruise

2 Hours | Search for the resident Dolphins before stopping to splash and slide into our beautiful waterways

Dolphin watching tour with our fun boat. Slide into open water with time for a slide & swim as you enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Port Stephens.

Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure

Journey Port Stephens harbour and outer islands while searching for our resident bottlenose Dolphins!

Join our 1.5hr Dolphin Watch & Eco Adventure with a high success rate in dolphin sightings, and entertaining commentary onboard the MV Osprey. Enjoy picturesque views of the harbour, and explore the outer islands of Port Stephens.

Moonshadow - TQC Cruises

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

MOONSHADOW - TQC CRUISES (Nelson Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go