Australian Made Charters

Nelson Bay, Port Stephens, Shoal Bay

Ph: 02 4984 4560

Call Captain Jim 0417 215 597

Whale Watching Port Stephens

The annual northern migration of whales off Port Stephens usually begins with the first sightings in late May, increasing in numbers through June, July and August with the stragglers following into September as they head to their tropical breeding grounds. By this time the first of the south bound whales can be seen heading back, many with their young calves on the return journey to their Antarctic feeding grounds.

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Over half the worlds known cetacean species are found in the region. These creatures are not fish but air breathing, warm blooded marine mammals that posses similar characteristics to land mammals in that they give birth to live offspring and possess mammary glands to suckle their young. They are well adapted to their marine environment with strong streamlined bodies and a layer of blubber to keep them warm.

There are two main types of whales: toothed whales (Odontocetes), such as sperm whales and dolphins; and baleen whales (Mysticetes), such as humpback and blue whales.

The diversity of these marine creatures is recognised as an important element of the regions culture and heritage. In Australia, guidelines for whale watching (cetaceans) are in place as part of the Australian Whale Sanctuary.

These guidelines and regulations are designed to encourage safe, enjoyable and educational experiences while minimising disturbance.

Our Port Stephens whale watching cruises for group bookings of up to 12 people are charged at an hourly rate and we suggest a minimum of three hours as a starting point for an experience often described as simply awesome!

Dolphin Watching Port Stephens

Bottlenose and common dolphins are a great part of the Port Stephens dolphin watching cruises running out of Nelson Bay aboard Charter Fishing Boat Australian Maid.

To protect these beautiful mammals all operators and private vessels offering dolphin watching are restricted by rules designed to shelter them from harm or harassment. Set back distances of 50 metres or 150 metres if a calf is present have been put in place.

Females with calves will usually be found in tight knit family groups called “pods” in the shallower waters over the banks in the bay. The adolescent males especially enjoy surfing on the pressure wave formed under our bow and their agility and antics in the water is simply a pleasure to watch.

Being mammals, dolphins are highly intelligent warm blooded creatures. With a gestation period similar to humans they give birth to live young who are suckled by their mothers while being nurtured and protected by pods of females while the males tend to roam and interact between the pods in a more individual manner.

Charter Fishing Boat Australian Maid is available for group bookings of up to 20 people which are charged at an hourly rate and tailored to your particular requirements.