The excitement had been building for months. We had won tickets via the Irukandji Shark and Ray centre for a family pass on a whale watch cruise with Imagine Cruises Port Stephens back in June and had been waiting for the opportunity to catch sight of the whales on their migration up the coast.

Waking up early we took the journey north, arriving at the marina at Nelson Bay with plenty of time to board the  boat with a small group people. After the essential safety briefing we negotiated our way through the other craft and out through the bay towards the open sea.

The crew was knowledgeable, knowing exactly where we could find some seals basking in the sun, stopping to show them off to us and giving us an opportunity to take some pictures, before continuing to head out further to try to spot some whales for us and it wasn’t long before we were heading in the direction of a whale who was cruising down the coast seemly oblivious to us. With the laws in mind we stayed a respectful 100m away, but this was close enough to observe this majestic creature go about his business, disappearing under the deep blue water to later suddenly reappear further along.

We left the whale in search of another, when suddenly someone on the boat spotted a pod of dolphins heading out way. All eyes turned towards the front of the boat and I found myself in a prime position to watch as they rode the bow, leaping out of the water, crossing in front of the boat and each other with such skill. After watching the dolphins we turned to catch one last glimpse of the majestic whale as it continued on its journey, the sound of its blow hole the only noise to heard as the water splased into the bow. Unfortunatley our time with him had come to an end and we had to leave to head back to the marina. Content, we each found a spot to sit back and enjoy the sun as it hit our faces, grateful for the opportunity we had been given to spend some time with these giants of the sea.

Where: Imagine Cruises Port Stephens, NSW, Australia

How much: Adults: $63 Children $30 Family: $ 156 Concession: $53

When: 10.30am & 2pm

Need to know: It can get cool out on the water so bring a jumper but if you forget (like us!) they have blankets and jackets you can borrow, they do offer tea and coffee for free and other drinks at a cost, we brought our own snacks on board but they do sell some chips etc, don’t forget your camera and binoculars,check out their website for all the other Cruises they offer also have a chat to the crew they are so knowledgeable!

Safe travels!

Kerrie