Cruises for the 2026/27 Season

Moonshadow TQC Dolphin Discovery Cruises (run daily)

• 26 metre (85’) catamaran

• Licensed for 300 guests

• 3 decks with main deck, cocktail deck and sun deck

• Stage and dance floor

• State of the art underwater live video cameras

• Boom net and twist and twirl slide

Cruise Inclusions

• See our world-famous resident wild Bottlenose dolphins

• Exciting boom net rides

• Expansive open decks or covered all weather indoor viewing

• Twist & Twirl Slide straight into the boomnet (Moonshadow V ONLY)

• Live underwater cameras (Moonshadow V ONLY)

• Licensed bar and snack food available

• Live, informative, fun Captain’s commentary

A fully licensed bar is aboard and snack foods are available

**Port Stephens dolphins are totally wild, so 100% sighting success isn’t guaranteed. Refunds aren’t available if dolphins are not located, but we offer a non-transferable free return voucher (stand-by basis). Terms & Conditions apply**

Envision 1.5hr Whale Watch Express (Starts 20th May 2026 - Finishes 1st  November 2026)

We get you up close & personal with the very best that Port Stephens has to offer. 

We move quickly, but safely & smoothly through the water, allowing you to comfortably enjoy the beautiful Marine Park. 

We'll also be on the lookout for pods of Oceanic Dolphins, you may have the chance to see penguins, sea birds, seals and much more.

Highlights

Whale Guarantee - if you don't see whales, a 'Standby-by Free Return Voucher' will be issued. Valid for 12 months from date of issue

What to bring

● Don't forget to bring your wind jacket

More Info

● This is an offshore cruise and is not suitable for children under 4 years
● If you or any member of your party experience or feel they may experience motion sickness, we highly recommend consulting your pharmacist regarding sea sickness medication
● This is an offshore excursion and is subject to weather and sea conditions

Moonshadow Splash n Slide Cruise (Back 21st November 2026)

Port Stephens is home to over 160 resident bottlenose dolphins that is why we call ourselves the Dolphin Capital of Australia. With a high success rate in dolphin sightings, boom net rides & waterslide you can’t go past a Moonshadow – TQC 2hr Splash & Slide Dolphin Watch Cruise!

What's included

• Time to swim

• Cruise spectacular headlands and eastern harbour

• See our resident wild Bottlenose dolphins

• Ride, slide, splash on our awesome waterslide

• Fun boom net

• Twin level with walk-around decks

• Licensed bar and snack food available

• Live, informative, fun Captain’s commentary

• High success sighting rate, free return cruise if no dolphins sighted (standby basis). Terms and conditions apply

Vessel: MV Spirit is a 60" fast Stable Catamaran, with 2 walk around all weather viewing decks. Licensed bar with snack food available for purchase. A large boom net, water slide.

Arvos on the Bay

Departing Nelson Bay at 3:30 PM, this sneaky little ferry ride starts innocently enough. 

But on the 5:15 PM return trip, Mother Nature crashes the party with a jaw-dropping light show. 

Think golden hour on steroids – we're talking a technicolor explosion of yellows, oranges, and pinks that would make even the most jaded Instagrammer swoon. 

Don’t forget to bring your favourite beverage to toast the setting sun.

1.5hr Bay lunch Cruise 

Departing daily, enjoy a relaxing cruise and enjoy your lunch out on the bay. 

This cruise is BYO food & drinks and we encourage you to grab something yummy from one of our lovely food outlets around Nelson Bay and join us for a delightful and fun filled lunchtime trip.

Bring your camera along, as we often get a chance to see dolphins, sea eagles and the occasional turtle or penguin plus spectacular views of Tomaree and Yacaaba Heads.

• Departs at 12.15pm daily (except Saturdays)

• Local knowledge from local crew

• Spacious fore-deck

• Uninterrupted views

• No crowds

• BYO food & alcohol

Imagine Cruises (Finishes 30th April 2026 - Back 1st November 2026)

Relax in the dry bow-net, hang on tight for a ride in the boom-net, or give yourself a ‘Titanic’ thrill at the end of the bow sprit. They’ll hoist the sails if conditions permit, while you relax and experience the best that the Bay has to offer.

• Dolphins Guaranteed:
  free return trip for no sightings

• 360° viewing

• Friendly & knowledgeable crew

• Bring swimmers for a ride in the boom net.

• 11.30am & 1.30pm

▶️ Dolphin & Sailing 1.5hr cruise on Imagine (Can come back under sail)

Marine Discovery with Imagine Cruises, Nelson Bay (Finishes 19th April 2026 - Back 14th November 2026)

• Qualified Dive-Master/Snorkel Guide

• Hire of snorkel, fins & mask included

• Complimentary Tea/Coffee/water

• Sailing when conditions permit

• Comfortable downstairs cabin

• Licensed bar

• Snack food available

• Clean restrooms

• Hot shower available on journey back home. 

• 1.30pm start

Envision -Port Stephens 3.5hr Snorkel Cruise (Finishes 19th April 2026 - Back 5th December 2026)

The fast and comfortable 40ft power cat Envision will take you on a thrilling and fun ride on the water, with a small group of guests for a personalised and crowd-free experience. They will choose the best snorkel destination on the day, depending on the weather and sea conditions. (The decision may not be made until just prior to departure)

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Port Stephens and have an ocean adventure of a lifetime. Book your Port Stephens snorkelling tour today and get ready for some unforgettable memories.

• Qualified snorkel guide, with local knowledge

• They can supply masks, fins & snorkels – or you are invited to bring your own. If required a full set of snorkel gear/wet suit is available to hire from Feet First Five, 97 Stockton St, Nelson Bay.

• 10.00am till 1.30pm on selective days

Imagine Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise
Dates

No Current availability

''''Imagine' is a unique venue, perfect for any occasion...and when we hoist our sails, the atmosphere is truly special.

Whilst dinner is being prepared relax on the deck with a fine wine or a cold beer, get wet in the boom net or take a ride in the dry bow-net!

Once the boat has arrived at a sheltered cove or bay you will have the choice of dining in our downstairs cabin or on our large covered fore deck, alfresco style.

We use fresh, local produce to cook you a seasonal 2-course BBQ meal, dessert will be served as we depart the cove and sail back to the marina.

It is a sumptuous way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our bay.

• 3 hour cruise - boarding 15 minutes before departure time

• Sunset sail inside the bay

• Set 3-course adult & child menu  (vegan/vegetarian option available) infants do not receive a meal.

• Fully licensed bar with great selection of beers, wines & spirits

• Complimentary tea and coffee

• Opportunity to see the resident Bottlenose Dolphins

* Choose from BBQ seafood, steak, chicken (vegetarian or vegan option available).  *Child meal is provided for all child (14 years and under) bookings.

*all cruises subject to weather/sea conditions * minimum numbers apply

FOOD ALLERGY POLICY

All cruises: Please note it is the client's responsibility to notify Imagine Cruises of any intolerances or allergies including but not limited to traces of nuts. 

Whilst all dishes are prepared onboard, our quality produce is supplied by third parties and we therefore cannot guarantee there are no traces of allergens (e.g., nut-free, dairy-free).
We also cannot guarantee there will no cross-contamination of allergens during service and we explicitly accept no liability in this regard. 

For serious food allergies you must make your own decisions on selecting meals. Our staff's comments are only to assist you in making an informed decision.