* Offer is valid for online Dolphin Watch Cruise bookings only
* Offer excludes group, family, combination tickets and private charters
* Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
Specialising in Dolphin Watching and Whale Watching in Port Stephens
Moonshadow Cruises is a family owned and operated business that specialises in dolphin watching cruises whale watching cruises. Based in Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, Moonshadow Cruises have been operating since 1981 and offer a range of memorable cruising experiences around Port Stephens (all year) and Newcastle harbour (Nov - Dec).
We operate 3 vessels, the largest and most luxurious vessels in the port, and cater for a diverse range of clientele with many different cruising experiences on offer including dolphin spotting and whale watching cruises.
Our largest vessel, Moonshadow V, is equipped with a huge boomnet, twist and twirl slide, underwater video cameras, spacious decks for 360 degree viewing, undercover seating, licensed bars and a dance floor.
Our cruises run to schedule, with dolphin watch cruises departing every day, and our vessels have the capacity to carry large numbers without crowding. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew are dedicated to ensuring you have a comfortable and memorable cruising experience. Moonshadow Cruises are 'Ecotourism Accredited' and have a primary focus on ecological sustainability.
Scheduled Cruises & Combined Adventures
Dolphin Watch Cruise – operates daily with 99% success rate in dolphin sightings, boomnet rides, water slide & underwater cameras (Moonshadow V only), delicious optional buffet lunch served daily.
Whale Watch Cruise – operates daily May – Nov, largest and sturdiest whale watching vessel in the bay, excellent sighting rates, underwater cameras, bonus dolphin and outer islands cruise.
Broughton Island National Park Cruise – operates Oct – April, snorkelling, swimming, exploring, morning and afternoon tea, Ploughman's buffet lunch, Boom net rides and bonus dolphin watch.
Twilight Dinner Cruise – operates all year round (check schedule for timetable), perfect dining experience for all occasions, appetisers on arrival, modern Australian buffet, fabulous live entertainment, fully licensed bars and dance floor. Cruising Newcastle (Nov/Dec only) and Port Stephens harbour.
Cruise & 4WD Combination Tours – operates daily, beach and dune driving, visit Tin City, WWII and historical sites, beach activities and sandboarding down huge dunes. Save by combining the two!
Triple the Adventure – a full day of fun and adventure including tandem parasail, dolphin watch cruise, buffet lunch plus sandboarding.
Beach, Boats & Beer – an adventure hard to resist including 4WD tour, dolphin watch cruise with lunch, winery and brewery tour plus transfer.
NSW 2011 Major Tour Operator
Moonshadow Cruises are the recipient of over 25 state and regional tourism awards. Moonshadow Cruises had great success at the 2011 NSW Tourism Awards bringing home the Gold in Major Tour &/or Transport Operator. and on the National scale we won bronze this year!
On a regional level we were unstoppable taking out Major Tour &/or Transport Operator at both the 2011 Mid North Coast Tourism Awards and the 2011 Hunter Regional Tourism Awards.
Cruise Experience
Our 29 years of experience means that we know what is important to you. Relax on a harbour cruise and be entertained by our playful local dolphins, venture out into the ocean and be amazed by the awesome humpback whales, swim, snorkel and explore on Broughton Island National Park or wine, dine and dance on a twilight dinner cruise.
Join us in exploring the magical world of Port Stephens, above and below the water.
