Dolphin and whale watching departures from Nelson Bay

Current Port Stephens cruise departure times, operator details and direct booking links.

Scheduled departures

Accessibility and Guest Support Information

The team from Imagine Cruises are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable experience for all guests wherever possible. They aim to support passengers with mobility challenges, hearing or vision impairments, language barriers, sensory needs and other accessibility requirements. The information below is designed to help guests choose the most suitable cruise experience for their needs. Due to the marine environment, vessel design and public wharf infrastructure, some accessibility limitations apply. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact our booking office before booking.

Travelling with Children

Families are warmly welcomed aboard Imagine Cruises. Our cruises are designed to be safe, enjoyable and memorable for guests of all ages. Children are welcome on scheduled cruises and all guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Family fares are available on many cruise experiences. Lifejackets suitable for children and adults are available onboard for use in the unlikely event of an emergency. For safety reasons, prams cannot be used while onboard. Collapsible prams may be brought aboard and stored by crew during the cruise where space allows. Our crew are happy to assist families with boarding and settling in prior to departure. Booking confirmations and boarding information are provided by email. Guests may also receive reminders and important cruise updates by SMS prior to departure. Pre-cruise information includes departure times, vessel details and boarding locations.

Concession and Companion Support

Imagine Cruises are committed to making our cruises accessible and affordable for as many guests as possible. Senior and concession fares are available on selected cruises. Guests who require the assistance of a support person may be eligible for discounted companion fares.

Mobility and Wheelchair Accessibility

Imagine Cruises aim to make their cruises accessible to as many guests as possible. However, due to the marine environment, vessel access and public wharf infrastructure, some limitations exist. Imagine Cruises is not easily suited to wheelchair access. We may be able to assist guests with limited mobility who can safely manage approximately five stairs. Passengers with mobility concerns are asked to contact us before booking so we can discuss their individual needs and determine whether Imagine is a suitable vessel. This assessment considers guest comfort, safe boarding, movement around the vessel, emergency procedures and crew workplace health and safety obligations. If a passenger requires excessive manual handling to board or move around the vessel, the cruise may be deemed unsuitable for safety reasons. Accessible parking spaces are available within public parking areas near our departure location. Our team will always do their best to provide practical assistance and ensure a comfortable boarding experience where it is safe and reasonable to do so.

Hearing and Vision Support

Imagine Cruises is committed to helping guests who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision enjoy a safe, comfortable and memorable experience. Where requested, safety briefings can be provided in alternative formats. Crew members are happy to repeat important information, provide individual assistance and support guests with written information where practical. One crew member is able to communicate using Auslan, subject to availability. Written notes can also be provided using pen and paper where required. Educational materials and wildlife information may be available in written formats. Guests requiring additional communication or visual assistance are encouraged to notify our reservations team before departure so appropriate arrangements can be made where possible.

Assistance Animals

Accredited guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome onboard. Please advise us prior to your cruise so suitable arrangements can be made. Because Imagine is a working marine vessel, advance notice helps us consider boarding, movement around the vessel, safety requirements, available space and the comfort of the assistance animal, guest, crew and other passengers.

Language Support

Imagine Cruises welcomes visitors from around Australia and around the world. We recognise that travelling in a different country can present communication challenges, and we aim to make every guest feel comfortable and informed. If you require information in a specific language, please contact us prior to your cruise and we will assist where possible.

Sensory Considerations

We understand that some guests may prefer a quieter or less stimulating environment. Weekday cruises outside school holiday periods are generally less crowded. Private charter options may also be available for guests seeking a more personalised or lower-sensory experience. Please discuss any sensory or accessibility requirements with our booking office before booking so we can recommend the most suitable cruise option.

Additional Assistance

If you have any special requirements or accessibility needs, we encourage you to contact us before your cruise. This allows us to make reasonable arrangements where possible and provide honest advice about the most suitable experience. The friendly team at Imagine Cruises are dedicated to providing a welcoming, safe and enjoyable adventure for all of our guests.

Open the live Port Stephens departure board