Dolphin Watch + Sailing - Port Stephens
4.7
Dolphin Watch + Sailing - Port Stephens
By Imagine Cruises
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 55 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Dolphin Guarantee
- Informative Commentary
- Dry Bow-Net ride
- Wet Boom-Net ride
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Restroom on board
- Start:
- 8 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, AustraliaPLEASE ARRIVE APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME, FOR BOARDING. You may need to allow some additional time to find parking. Imagine is located at Dock C at the D'Albora Marina at Nelson Bay. . Approx 50 mtrs on your right hand side
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 138606P2- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 138606P2
From
AU$49.00
per adult
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Itinerary
- 8 Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, AustraliaPLEASE ARRIVE APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TIME, FOR BOARDING. You may need to allow some additional time to find parking. Imagine is located at Dock C at the D'Albora Marina at Nelson Bay. . Approx 50 mtrs on your right hand side
- 1See our resident Bottlenose Dolphins, as we cruise through the beautiful bay of Port Stephens.
Top rated
More to explore in Nelson Bay
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- A1Photographer0 contributionsMy Advice AVOID with capital lettersMy Advice AVOID with capital letters The worst holiday I have ever been on !! Overcrowed, long coach trips with out stops (told to use a diapper) Money Grapping, no first aid and the list goes on and on. Still waiting a response from Imagine - They could not careless - they was I they will look in to the mater !!! I have reported them to ATOL and I am considering Legal Action (along with others from the Tour) The worst holiday I have ever been on !! Overcrowed, long coach trips with out stops (told to use a diapper) Money Grapping, no first aid and the list goes on and on. Still waiting a response from Imagine - They could not careless - they was I they will look in to the mater !!! I have reported them to ATOL and I am considering Legal Action (along with others from the Tour)Written 24 February 2025
- Freedom591607368580 contributionsFamily tour with kidsGreat tour with a close look at the dolphin. Megan was such a friendly and helpful staff to guide the boat tour. Water is clear and able to see the stingray on the seabed. Overall enjoyable experience.Written 31 January 2025
- R2987EFjennyl0 contributionsSnorkelling delightA delightful afternoon. A beautiful snorkelling site with clear water, pretty sponges, lots of fish and some wobbegongs. The crew was helpful and friendly. Recommended.Written 11 January 2025
- alexnQ6528NB0 contributionsPerfectNothing to criticise, great people, great experience. We went as a family with friends, everyone thought it was great.Written 29 December 2024
- craigos20160 contributionsA spectacular experience!We had a great experience with Imagine cruises today. Frank, our Captain was a well spring of interesting information about the whales, dolphins and other marine life. Our crew were super attentive and helpful . And we had some great close encounters with some beautiful whales and dolphins. It was a great experience! I highly recommend this. Thanks team.Written 20 October 2024
- David B0 contributionsWhale and dolphin watch tour - a must doWhat a great tour hosted by a lovely team who were very knowledgeable and spent quality time showing us the dolphins and hump back whales. We were lucky to see 6 whales doing a “heat run” and many others breaching with their young. Never felt rushed and the catamaran was lots of fun and very smooth. Mark was very approachable and a font of knowledge which he was happy to share. We recommend this 3 hour tour as you do need time to chase the whales.Written 14 October 2024
- gaylenec20140 contributionsBucket List tickedReally enjoyed trip today Only saw 2 adult whales + a calf which we followed around for about an hour as they cruised around Port Stephens. Managed some videos. I think most of the whales have bypassed the area on those way south now but still enjoyable Word of advice - we went on the cataraman - it was a little Rough going out - we got splashed ; lots of people were sea sick - sit outside if you can and take a sea sick tablet; that way you’ll be OK.Written 12 October 2024
- gryphonmonster0 contributionsFree willyWe only caught a glimpse of a whale on a rocky day at sea and were offered a free cruise again 2 days later. It turned out to be really good. The tour managers were very knowledgeable not only of whales but the geography of the locality and its history. They certainly were like naturalists. It was so difficult to spot a whale from a distance but they were so good at it. The skipper did a fabulous job keeping in pace with a group pf whales. We must have seen the most whale and dolphins that day. The dolphins swam close to our boat and under it as we approached them. It was a wonderful day. We spotted the whales early , so they were a lot of opportunities to see them in action as they come to the surface to breathe. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Port Stephens. Its a must do.Written 10 September 2024
- Mandy_Paul_Australia0 contributions100% recommendgreat crew !!! happy to answer all your questions. they went out of their way to show us not only whales but also dolphins and seals !! boat is spacious with outdoor and indoor cover. includes water/tea/coffee and you can buy a variety of snacks. 100% recommend.Written 5 September 2024
- W2758NQangelap0 contributionsInformative and enjoyableWe had a wonderful day, the team were on the lookout for all types of wildlife- we saw dolphins on the way out and returning- we also saw a juvenile humpback meandering along and seals relaxing on the warm rocks. The team were constantly talking to everyone providing insights into all that we saw. As it was a smaller group there was no worries about being able to take photos to capture those momentsWritten 4 September 2024
- vanessah220170 contributionsFabulous whale watchingWe totally recommend this cruise. The catamaran is a great way to view the whales. Skipper, Frank, was very informative and pointed out whale sightings. Staff on board were friendly and very helpful.Written 13 June 2024
- mumma_kd0 contributionsWe had a whale of a timeThe Imagine is a lovely boat with an attentive crew. I liked that there wasn’t to many people on this tour as the boat is not huge. It was super cold but there were plenty of wind jackets and blankets available that the crew handed out to keep us feeling toasty. Seen plenty of playful whales 🐋 and some lazy Seals, sunning themselves on the rocks.Written 11 June 2024
- thanhbinh90 contributionsGreat tripWe had an amazing time. Trip was very well organized and the staff were friendly and attentive. Snorkeling in crystal clear water was superb.Written 4 January 2024
- Christine L0 contributionsMagicalHonestly cannot rate this high enough. The experience was amazing, from the location they take you snorkeling, to going out of there way to see dolphins to turning off the engines and sailing back into the Harbour. The crew were top tier, all great blokes with amazing knowledge of the area and so friendly! We had such a magical day. Keep up the great work guysWritten 9 December 2023
- EdwinaK_110 contributions4 hour cruise swimming with dolphins and brunchAn amazing experience to swim with the dolphins, so close I could almost touch them. The crew were amazing with our young boys and they made the 4 hours on the water very memorable.Written 6 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.7
22 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Hilary
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
On Sat 4th Feb we joined Brian & his team for a one hour thirty minute trip out of Nelson Bay. He was so informative about what the trip included & what we might possibly see. Although the wind made it a bit choppy at first, Brian expertly got us into calmer waters & we did indeed have at least four sightings of dolphins. My two grandchildren aged 8 & 4 were allowed to sit on the two nets at the front & side of the boats which they adored, it was so exciting for them. They were constantly watched over by a crew member. Brian allowed both of them to sit momentarily in the ‘captain’s seat’ & hold the wheel.
This team of people care passionately about dolphin welfare & were very knowledgeable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend anyone, especially those with children, to go on this voyage.
Thank you Brian.
This team of people care passionately about dolphin welfare & were very knowledgeable.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend anyone, especially those with children, to go on this voyage.
Thank you Brian.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim D
Melton Mowbray, UK104 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Lived up to the promise of seeing dolphins, within minutes of leaving the harbour. Crew were knowledgable and despite the weather it was fabulous trip. Would recommend doing the wet boom ride (it’s not just for kids) you can get just that little closer to the dolphins. Take cash if you want to buy snacks but free tea and coffee.
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We appreciate your review and are glad you had a great experience with us. The wet boom net certainly gives our guests another perspective.
Written 26 February 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stefan
4 contributions
Jan 2020
Highly recommended! A beautiful location, wonderful knowledgeable staff, amazing up close dolphin experience! We went on the 1 hour cruise around the bay and before we even left the marina we saw 2 dolphins bobbing about right next to the boat! There was even a mum with her calf! Extraordinary! Out in the spectacular bay we cruised around taking in the sights and learning fascinating facts about the area from Steve and Genie, the dynamic duo that drove and guided the trip. After observing many seabirds, the jaw dropping landscape and breathing in the fresh air we came across more friendly dolphins. This time they surfed on our bow wave as we tootled along gently. We were able to stand right on the bow and look down to see and photograph two of the adult dolphins less than 2 metres away!! Amazing! They stayed for at least 10 minutes and played and cruised just in front of us. Unforgettable. The children on the boat were mesmerized, as were the adults! Smiles all round! Overall the trip delivered more than expected, was punctual, professional and great value for money. The boat was awesome and there was plenty of room for all of us to sit or move around at our leisure. Thank you for making our holiday extra special!
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave N
Ryde, Australia311 contributions
Dec 2020
This dolphin watch was on the smaller Envision boat. It took us out towards the Nelson Bay entrance where they found a pod of dolphins for us to observe and photo. We were told that this was one of several pods within the bay that never really go out of the bay into open water.
We did leave the bay and go into open water stopping by several islands and learning about the species of plants and animals on them.
On the way back into the bay we encountered another pod of dolphins.
It was a fun trip and a good way to finish off our last day in the Nelson Bay area
We did leave the bay and go into open water stopping by several islands and learning about the species of plants and animals on them.
On the way back into the bay we encountered another pod of dolphins.
It was a fun trip and a good way to finish off our last day in the Nelson Bay area
Written 25 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy B
Sydney18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This was a lovely relaxed cruise at Nelson bay! The crew are a relaxed informed bunch of people with a captain who is very experienced with loads of information well delivered. It was a wonderful boat ride and it show cased the beautiful Harbour that Port Stephens is. Thank you for a lovely experience meeting the dolphins to which the crew seem to have a close relationship with the dolphins living in the area.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
troy g
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Fantastic Cruise, was totally worth the price, the staff were very professional and friendly. The Captain and his crew subject knowledge was second to none. Well done on a fantastic day, we will definitely be going again.
Written 2 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harry V
2 contributions
Jan 2020
We did the Express Dolphin watch tour of Nelson Bay, The whole team are very knowledgeable and friendly. We where very lucky to see playful dolphins that actually swam and interacted with our boat, creating a very memorable family experience.
Highly recommend and a must do if going to Nelson Bay!
Highly recommend and a must do if going to Nelson Bay!
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan N
Gold Coast, Australia33 contributions
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour out of Nelson Bay. Excellent vessel and very knowledgeable and friendly crew. Seeing any animal in its own habitat is always special, but seeing a few pods’ natural behaviour was just incredible. Well worth it!
Written 26 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chantelle C
12 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Really enjoyed this trip on a smaller sail boat. We were able to move around the boat freely and go out on the dry net and the wet net to swim near the dolphins. Saw lots of dolphins and some penguins. The staff were friendly and helpful and this boat was a great choice if you want something more intimate. My 7 year old also enjoyed it, particularly the dry net.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver C
10 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We had a really great time, the boat was nice and small compared to most other tours with not too many people; the team were lovely and very informative and above all they keep an eye on the dolphins’ wellbeing, which was great to see.
Thoroughly recommend, thanks all!
Thoroughly recommend, thanks all!
Written 8 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Just checking as the website indicated that dolphin watch not running till the end of november?
Written 3 November 2019
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