Sydney’s dolphins are best spotted on two standout tours. Our favorite is the Port Stephens excursion, which packs serious value into its 12-hour journey. You’ll get a 2-hour cruise with virtually guaranteed sightings of bottlenose dolphins (often 150+ of them), plus fun extras like sandboarding. For a shorter but equally rewarding trip, try the Jervis Bay cruise – it combines dolphin watching with visits to pristine Booderee National Park and the famous white sands of Hyams Beach. Both tours keep groups intimate and include expert naturalist guides who know exactly where to find these playful creatures. Let’s look at what makes these tours special…
Key Points
- The 12-hour Port Stephens tour offers a 2-hour dolphin-watching cruise where visitors can spot up to 160 bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
- The Stockton Sand Dunes adventure includes a 1.5-hour sandboarding experience, providing an exhilarating outdoor activity and stunning photo opportunities.
- The tour is family-friendly, with a 4.3/5 rating from 82 reviews, and includes complimentary amenities like bottled water and wheelchair accessibility.
- Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise is an alternative option, offering a focus on native wildlife sightings in Booderee National Park and Hyams Beach.
- The tours are priced between $93.25 to $123.08 per person, with small group sizes for personalized experiences guided by knowledgeable and multilingual staff.
From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding
This 12-hour tour from Sydney takes visitors on a scenic drive to the picturesque Port Stephens region, known for its stunning coastal landscapes and resident population of bottlenose dolphins.
Departing at 7am from Central Station, the tour first stops at the Moonshadow-TQC Cruises dock, where guests board a dolphin-watching cruise. Over the course of 2 hours, they’ll have the chance to spot the area’s 160 bottle-nose dolphins in their natural habitat.
After a lunch break, the tour heads to the Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest mobile sand dune system in the Southern Hemisphere, for an exhilarating 1.5-hour sandboarding experience.
The day also includes a quick wine tasting at a local B-Farm. Priced from $123.08 per person, the tour provides coach transfers, knowledgeable guides, and the option to swim in the boom net during the cruise.
With a 4.3/5 rating from 82 reviews, this adventure is suitable for all ages and promises unforgettable sights and activities.
Read our full review: From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding Review
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From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise – Mandarin Guide
Departing from Central Station or Holiday Inn Darling Harbour in Sydney, this 12-hour tour takes visitors on a scenic drive to the picturesque Port Stephens region.
For $123.08 per person, travelers can enjoy a 1.5-hour dolphin-watching cruise, as well as 75 minutes of sandboarding at the vast Stockton Sand Dunes. An optional visit to a local winery and lunch are also included.
The tour provides express premium coach transfers, with pickup and drop-off at two convenient locations. Wheelchair accessibility is available, and complimentary bottled water is included.
Reviewers have praised the tour, with one highlighting the kind and knowledgeable Mandarin-speaking guide.
Suitable for all traveler types, this comprehensive experience allows visitors to discover the natural wonders of Port Stephens while learning about its local wildlife and attractions.
Read our full review: From Sydney: Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise – Mandarin Guide Review
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From Sydney: Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise With BBQ Lunch
Discover the natural wonders of Jervis Bay on this captivating day tour from Sydney. Priced from $93.25 to $116.57 per person, this 1-day excursion offers exceptional value with a free cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option.
The tour departs at 7 AM from Sydney Central, with a quick stop for coffee or breakfast along the way. The highlight is a dolphin-watching cruise in the breathtaking Jervis Bay, where you’ll have the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
After the cruise, explore the stunning Booderee National Park, including the world-famous Hyams Beach and the picturesque Cave Beach. Throughout the day, keep an eye out for native birds, wallabies, and kangaroos, while enjoying a delicious lunch in the charming town of Huskisson.
With a small group size and an experienced, multilingual guide, this tour provides an unforgettable experience filled with stunning views and lasting memories.
Read our full review: From Sydney: Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise With BBQ Lunch Review
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The Sum Up
Sydney offers several excellent dolphin-watching tours. The Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise & 4WD Sandboarding and the Port Stephens Dolphin Cruise with a Mandarin guide are popular choices. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the Jervis Bay Dolphin Cruise with a BBQ lunch is a great option. These tours provide a chance to spot these fascinating marine creatures in their natural habitat.