Cruise and staff were amazing
1.5Hr Whale Watch Express – Nelson Bay
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Skipper and crew spotted whales and took us straight to them. Watched whales breach right next to our boat, one whale swam around and under our boat for several minutes (seemed like forever) it was just spectacular.
About
If your idea of whale watching is spending less time cruising and more time alongside the whales themselves, the 1.5Hr Whale Watch Express is perfect for you. Departing from Nelson Bay in Port Stephens aboard the purpose-built vessel ‘Envision’, this small-group experience gets you out to the famous Humpback Highway quickly, giving you more time to focus on the stars of the show.
The Express Whale Watching Experience
Every year between May and November, thousands of Humpback Whales migrate along the east coast of Australia, passing by the shores of Port Stephens. Aboard ‘Envision’, you'll head straight for this migration route, where these gentle giants can often be seen breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping and rolling through the water. With only 16 passengers on board, every sighting feels personal and immersive, creating a wildlife encounter that is worlds apart from larger whale watching vessels.
Purpose-built for small-group ocean adventures, this boat offers 360° views, allowing you a front-row seat regardless of where the whales surface. The vessel's compact size means it can position itself quickly and safely for optimal viewing opportunities, while the experienced crew give you fascinating insights into whale behaviour, migration patterns and the marine environment of Port Stephens.
Who is it best suited for
For visitors seeking a focused wildlife experience, couples wanting a more intimate cruise, or photographers hoping to capture the perfect whale breach, the 1.5Hr Whale Watch Express offers one of the most exciting whale encounters available in Nelson Bay. Are you ready to get closer to the giants of the Humpback Highway?
The Express Whale Watching Experience
Every year between May and November, thousands of Humpback Whales migrate along the east coast of Australia, passing by the shores of Port Stephens. Aboard ‘Envision’, you'll head straight for this migration route, where these gentle giants can often be seen breaching, tail slapping, spy hopping and rolling through the water. With only 16 passengers on board, every sighting feels personal and immersive, creating a wildlife encounter that is worlds apart from larger whale watching vessels.
Purpose-built for small-group ocean adventures, this boat offers 360° views, allowing you a front-row seat regardless of where the whales surface. The vessel's compact size means it can position itself quickly and safely for optimal viewing opportunities, while the experienced crew give you fascinating insights into whale behaviour, migration patterns and the marine environment of Port Stephens.
Who is it best suited for
For visitors seeking a focused wildlife experience, couples wanting a more intimate cruise, or photographers hoping to capture the perfect whale breach, the 1.5Hr Whale Watch Express offers one of the most exciting whale encounters available in Nelson Bay. Are you ready to get closer to the giants of the Humpback Highway?
- 1.5hr whale watching cruise aboard the purpose-built Envision
- Direct access to the Humpback Highway migration route off Port Stephens
- Up-close whale watching opportunities with expert local crew
- 360° viewing from every position on board
- Informative commentary about whale behaviour and migration
- Multiple daily departures during whale watching season
- Children under 5 years are not recommended due to offshore sea conditions
- Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed as they are wild animals; free return cruise voucher if whales are not sighted
- Private Charter of the boat available for 12 guests
- Small-group whale watching experience with a maximum of 16 guests
- Fast 1.5hr express format designed for maximum whale viewing time
- Get up close to migrating Humpback Whales along the famous Humpback Highway
- Expert local crew sharing insights into whale behaviour and migration
- Adult $99
- Child $59
- Concession $95
Dock C, D'Albora Marina, Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315. Look for the red vessel Envision located at the beginning of Dock C.
Google Map- CLICK HERE
Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. During peak periods, we recommend arriving 30–45 mins early to allow time for parking. Please check your booking confirmation for the specific vessel departure point.
Google Map- CLICK HERE
Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. During peak periods, we recommend arriving 30–45 mins early to allow time for parking. Please check your booking confirmation for the specific vessel departure point.
- 11:00am/1:30pm: Depart Nelson Bay aboard Envision and head offshore towards the ‘Humpback Highway’ along the Port Stephens coastline.
- En Route: Expert local crew provide live commentary on the annual Humpback Whale migration, whale behaviour and the marine environment of Port Stephens.
- En Route: Search for migrating Humpback Whales. Keep an eye out for spectacular behaviours including breaches, tail slaps, spy hops and body rolls.
- En Route: Enjoy 360° viewing opportunities from multiple vantage points around the vessel while taking in the scenic coastal surroundings.
- 12:30pm/3:00pm: Return to Nelson Bay Marina after approximately 1.5 hours on the water.
1.5Hr Whale Watch Express (this package): Small-group whale watching aboard Envision with 360° viewing and a maximum of 16 passengers.
2.5Hr Whale Watching Cruise (alternate package): Larger vessel experience featuring outer island exploration, potential dolphin and fur seal encounters, licensed bar facilities and extended time on the water.
Not sure which to choose?
Choose the 1.5Hr Whale Watch Express if you prefer a smaller group, faster-paced adventure and more intimate whale encounters. Choose the 2.5Hr Whale Watching Cruise if you'd like a longer sightseeing experience with additional wildlife and island exploration.
2.5Hr Whale Watching Cruise (alternate package): Larger vessel experience featuring outer island exploration, potential dolphin and fur seal encounters, licensed bar facilities and extended time on the water.
Not sure which to choose?
Choose the 1.5Hr Whale Watch Express if you prefer a smaller group, faster-paced adventure and more intimate whale encounters. Choose the 2.5Hr Whale Watching Cruise if you'd like a longer sightseeing experience with additional wildlife and island exploration.
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
- Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
- No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
- A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
- An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
- Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
- Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date.
- Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
- Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for guests aged 4 years and above
- Baby prams are not permitted onboard
- Collapsible strollers may be stowed away
- Smoking is not permitted onboard
When is whale watching season in Nelson Bay?
Whale watching season runs from May to November each year, coinciding with the annual Humpback Whale migration along the east coast of Australia.
How many passengers are on the Whale Watch Express?
The Whale Watch Express carries a maximum of 16 guests, creating a more intimate and personalised whale watching experience.
What makes this cruise different from larger whale watching vessels?
Envision offers 360° unobstructed viewing and a small-group environment, allowing guests to enjoy closer, more immersive wildlife encounters.
What types of whale behaviour might I see?
Depending on conditions, guests may witness breaches, tail slaps, spy hops, body rolls and other spectacular whale behaviours.
Is the cruise suitable for young children?
The cruise is suitable for guests aged 4 years and above. Due to offshore sea conditions, it is not recommended for children under 5 years.
Should I take seasickness medication?
As this cruise operates in open ocean waters, guests prone to motion sickness are encouraged to consult their pharmacist regarding preventative medication before departure.
What happens if whales are not sighted?
Whales are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to the operator's whale sighting policy at the time of booking.
Where can I park?
Paid parking is available at D'Albora Marina and Victoria Parade. Free parking can often be found on nearby streets including Laman Street, Church Street and Magnus Street.
Whale watching season runs from May to November each year, coinciding with the annual Humpback Whale migration along the east coast of Australia.
How many passengers are on the Whale Watch Express?
The Whale Watch Express carries a maximum of 16 guests, creating a more intimate and personalised whale watching experience.
What makes this cruise different from larger whale watching vessels?
Envision offers 360° unobstructed viewing and a small-group environment, allowing guests to enjoy closer, more immersive wildlife encounters.
What types of whale behaviour might I see?
Depending on conditions, guests may witness breaches, tail slaps, spy hops, body rolls and other spectacular whale behaviours.
Is the cruise suitable for young children?
The cruise is suitable for guests aged 4 years and above. Due to offshore sea conditions, it is not recommended for children under 5 years.
Should I take seasickness medication?
As this cruise operates in open ocean waters, guests prone to motion sickness are encouraged to consult their pharmacist regarding preventative medication before departure.
What happens if whales are not sighted?
Whales are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to the operator's whale sighting policy at the time of booking.
Where can I park?
Paid parking is available at D'Albora Marina and Victoria Parade. Free parking can often be found on nearby streets including Laman Street, Church Street and Magnus Street.
- Season: Operates May to November during the annual Humpback Whale migration. This cruise operates in open ocean conditions
- Departures: 11:00am and 1:30pm daily, with selected 3:30pm departures. Arrive 30–45 minutes early during peak periods to allow time for parking
- Maximum passengers: 16 guests
- Boarding: Boarding commences 15 minutes prior to departure
- Sea-sickness: Guests prone to motion sickness should consult their pharmacist regarding seasickness medication before travel
- Paid parking: Available at D’Albora Marina (Nelson Bay) and Victoria Parade from 8:30am–4:30pm (up to 4 hours at the Marina; up to 8 hours on Victoria Parade).
- Free parking: Available on Laman Street, Church Street and Magnus Street, all within easy walking distance. Pay by card, coin or the Park’n Pay app; your number plate is your ticket.
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies
What to Bring
- Comfortable casual clothing and footwear
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Camera with zoom lens if possible
- Seasickness medication if required
- Warm layers; it can be cool and windy on the open ocean
- These Terms and Conditions set out the terms on which you (on behalf of yourself and any person on whose behalf you are booking, together "you" or "your") book through Australian Cruise Group Pty Ltd ABN 89 152 554 302 (referred to as, we, us and our, in these Terms and Conditions) for all bookings, reservations, products and cruises operated by us including Sydney Showboats, Magistic Cruises, Clearview Cruises Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises, Vivid Sydney Cruises, Sydney Christmas Party Cruises, Sydney New Year’s Eve Cruises, and any other cruises, websites, operations or entities operated by us. These Terms and Conditions constitute the agreement between you and us.
- Full payment is required at the time of booking for all scheduled and special event cruises. Click here to read the Cancellation Policies that apply to the respective cruises.
- A ‘Book with Deposit’ option is available for online group bookings (6 or more guests) on select scheduled cruises, provided the cruise date is more than 10 days from the booking date.
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- Online group discounts are applicable on select cruises throughout the year, excluding the periods from 1 November to 1 January and 20 May to 15 June.
- Group bookings (10 guests or more): The guest has a choice to pay 20% deposit to confirm the booking, if the cruise date is more than 21 days in advance. The customer must confirm the final number of guests 7 days prior to the cruise date and are required a full and final payment 21 days prior to the cruise. Credit will be issued for any reduction in final passenger numbers up to 7 days prior to the cruise date.
- Change cruise date (transfer your booking): Any request to transfer a booking to another date must be made 72 hours prior to the cruise date. Such transfer of bookings are subject to availability of seats at the same price for the new cruise date. If the price is higher for the new cruise date, you will be required to pay the difference in addition to the minimum transfer fee.
- Transfer fee: There is a $10 per person minimum transfer fee will apply. New Year’s Eve cruise tickets cannot be transferred to a different date.
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- Our cruises operate on busy waterways and are subject to the risks and perils of cruising on such waterways including loss, damage and injury arising out of or in connection with changing tidal and weather conditions and the navigation of other craft. To the extent permissible by law, we will not be responsible in tort, contract or otherwise for any loss or damage arising out of injury or death sustained by you or any other passenger, howsoever arising and whether or not arising as a result of our negligence or failure to render due care and skill. You enter into this agreement and book and travel on our cruises at your own risk. If however any guarantees, terms, conditions or warranties are implied into this agreement by any law of the Commonwealth or New South Wales, the exclusion of which would contravene that law or cause part or all of this clause to be void, then to the extent permissible by law:
(a) We exclude all other guarantees, terms, conditions and warranties; and
(b) Our liability for breach of such guarantee, term, condition or warranty is limited to the supply of the relevant cruise again or the cost of re-supplying the cruise. - We exclude all liability for any loss or damage to clothing or personal items/belongings howsoever arising and whether or not our liability arises in tort, contract or otherwise.
- Some of the tours, products and cruises we operate may be considered dangerous and you should be aware of the risks involved before participating, which may include injury or death. Where the tours, products and cruises include activities that could be considered dangerous, you assume all of the inherent risks which are applicable to those activities. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude you from participating in activities and you are responsible for confirming your ability to participate. You must use caution when participating in activities and inform us of any medical or other conditions.
- It is a condition of this agreement that any claim for loss or damage must be notified to us in writing within seven (7) days from the day the cruise finishes, and any court action, suit or proceeding must be brought no later than one (1) year from the same day. If you fail to comply with either of these conditions, we will be forever discharged from all claims, suits, actions and/or proceedings relating to or arising out of or in any way connected with the cruise and we will be discharged from all liability whatsoever, including any liability for negligence.
- We may contract or arrange for third parties to provide the whole or part of the cruise and any related services to you. You must not bring any claims or actions against such third parties. If you bring such a claim or action in breach of this agreement, you agree to indemnify us and the person against whom the claim or action is made against the consequences of that claim or action. You agree that in entering into this agreement, we are acting as the agent of and trustee for each of our employees, officers, agents and subcontractors, and each of these persons is deemed to be a party to the contract for the purpose of entitling each of them to enforce, have the benefit of and rely upon these Terms and Conditions.
- We strictly do not permit any alcohol to be brought on board for consumption. Any discussions with our representatives should not be construed as an acceptance to bring alcohol of any nature on board for any event or function. In line with our Responsible Service of Alcohol policy, such requests will be refused politely.
- You must not bring any alcohol or illegal substances onto the vessel. We reserve the right to refuse you entry to the vessel, or to require you to disembark from the vessel, including due to your intoxication or for the safety of other passengers or the vessel.
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- If any of these provisions are unenforceable, this shall not affect the enforceability of any other part of the provision or any other provision. In the event of inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and any other terms, these Terms and Conditions will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. No waiver or variation of this agreement will have binding effect unless such waiver or agreement is in writing and signed by us.
