Check out the video!

Dolphin Watch:

Imagine last Dolphin Watch will be running on the 7th of May, so dont miss out book on one of our three daily trips this week, to enjoy the last of our summer/autumn program.

$39 Seafood Dinner: What perfect evenings we have been having, beautiful sunsets & full moon- has truely made it a great week of weather  around Nelson Bay to end the School Holidays.

The last Seafood Dinner Cruise for the season will be Tuesday May 7th so be sure not to miss out!

Whale Watching: The boat will be out of the water for maintainence during May from the 8th to until the 20th, with our first whale watch beginning on the 21st of May when the Whale Watching season for Port Stephens starts.

There will be over 14,000 Humpback Whales migrating past Port Stephens and the East Coast of Australia this year. Imagine will be operating two Whale Watch Cruises daily at 10:30am – 1:30pm and 2:00pm – 5:00pm The cost is $60 per Adult, $25 per Child and $145 per Family!

THE dolphins came out to play as the latest in underwater camera technology was launched at Port Stephens on Friday.  The new technology system, which has been in the planning for 18 months, provides underwater images and footage of people interacting with dolphins and can be instantly broadcast online.It has been developed and used by Dolphin Swim Australia and operates via seven high-definition video cameras attached to the Imagine catamaran based at d’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay.‘‘Ninety per cent of people came to Port Stephens and see what’s on top of the water,’’ technology developer Kerry Smith said. ‘‘Now they can not only see dolphins on top of the water but also below.’’ Dolphin Swim Australia operates the only commercially permitted dolphin swim in NSW where participants move beyond a net and into open water. The technology has enabled them to film snorkelers moving among dolphin pods. Five participants were treated to an early morning swim with more than 30 dolphins playing around the catamaran’s bow yesterday morning. “Instead of people just treading water, which dolphins think is boring, our unique dolphin swim allows participants to actually keep up with inquisitive dolphins. The dolphins get very excited when they see humans in the water whom they think are swimming as fast as them,’’  Dolphin Swim Australia founder Andrew Parker said. The vision is broadcast live to flatscreen TVs on the catamaran’s deck  and later to the internet, enabling global audiences to see Port Stephens’ famous dolphins in action.  While Dolphin Swim Australia has been operating its unique swim for three years, this is the first time technology of this calibre has been introduced. Mr Parker said the major technology upgrade followed a $40,000 grant from the NSW Government’s tourism agency, Destination NSW. As part of the grant, Dolphin swim biologists and staff are working with the University of Victoria to study  short-beaked Pacific common dolphins. ‘‘We can now capture the best dolphin interaction vision in Australia,’’ Mr Parker said.  He said university researches have been using the footage to monitor dolphin behaviour, collect data on pod numbers and dorsal fins as well as observe growths and viruses. The Dolphin swim team must adhere to strict guidelines when observing and interacting with the dolphins. Besides research, the footage enables customers to take home memento DVDs.

Why not book a private whale watch.. 3hours of being up close and personal with the great mammals of the sea… Whale Season is just around the corner staring May 21st, Enquire today!!!

With 3 of the 4 days of the long weekend falling in March, it is a great chance to experience Imagines Dolphin+Snorkelling trip, before the end of the season. That’s right our Dolphin+Snorkelling Cruise finishes on the 31st of March. With two Islands Imagine pick’s from depending on the conditions, Snorkeling is quite good. Lots of different species of fish including a big Groper and even a few exotic tropical species have found their way south on the warm currents. There’s even a few turtles making regular appearances at Cabbage Tree Island.  Lighthouse Cove on Fingal Island is once again a hot spot for snorkeling. Some of the crew have even made friends with a Banjo Ray or treated by a sighting of a playful seal or two. Departing Daily at 1pm from Nelson Bay Marina.

Not keen on snorkelling, perhaps looking for a shorter trip dont worry… Imagine has 1.5hr Dolphin Watch cruise that runs at 11am Daily in March, and then from April 1st (easter monday onwards) departs three times daily, 10:30, 12:30 & 14:30  The Bottlenose dolphins will be enjoying the sunshine and crystal clear waters of Nelson Bay and the rest of Port Stephens. They love visits from Dolphin watching cruises! There have been a couple of newborn dolphins this season and the perfect conditions make it easy to spot these tiny babies. The warm water is awesome for refreshing boom net rides and we’ll rev up the motors and fun factor with Jet net rides!

Or perhaps, your wanting to experience the best time of the day out on the water as the sunsets, why not join Imagine’s Seafood BBQ Cruise, Seafood with the best view and biggest pool in town, bring your swimmers! Celebrate the best time of the day with loved ones and friends. Our fixed menu includes; BBQ Fish, Garlic Cognac Prawns on a bed of green salad and mash, Cheesecake and Fruit of the Forest. Then we’ll go sailing off into the sunset! Departing 5:30pm daily until April 6th then from April 7th- May7th time of departure changes to 4:30pm due to Daylight savings.

Meet the dolphins from the calm boom net or hold on tight for a wild jet net ride! Relax a foot above the water under sail in the dry bow net or give yourself a ‘titanic’ thrill at the end of the bow sprit! Imagine has very friendly crew, 360 degree views and we love to go Sailing when conditions permit.

Port Stephens has around 90 friendly resident Bottlenose Dolphins that live in pods of 4 – 12. We quite regulary get to visit with at least two different pods per cruise!

This cruise runs 11am-12:30pm daily through to the end of March, during April/May Imagine has 3 Dolphin Watches daily 10:30, 12:30 & 2:30pm.

Dolphin+ Snorkelling Cruise :

Dolphin Watch + Snorkelling (Formerly Marine Discovery, Sail Swim Snorkel)

With two Islands to pick from depending on the conditions, Snorkeling is quite good. Lots of different species of fish including a big Groper and even a few exotic tropical species have found their way south on the warm currents. There’s even a few turtles making regular appearances at Cabbage Tree Island.  Lighthouse Cove on Fingal Island is once again a hot spot for snorkeling. Some of the crew have even made friends with a Banjo Ray or treated by a sighting of a playful seal or two.

Don’t have your own snorkelling gear…? Not a problem at all as Imagine carries enough Masks and Snorkels for everyone to use for free.

This cruise runs until March 31st so Dont miss out… departing 1pm daily perfect way to spend the afternoon out seeing the marine life of Port Stephens.

Seafood Dinner Cruise

The daily $39 Seafood Dinner Cruise dinner has proven to be a winner both for families on a budget or couples wanting something a bit different than a land based restaurant.  If the weather permits guests can have a swim before dinner! We like to say ‘ it’s the biggest pool in town’. This is a two hour cruise every evening of the week and we will run it until 7th May. It’s at the best time of the day and we are usually the only vessel out on the bay and certainly the only one sailing, it’s unbelievable!…..

So what’s the menu..? We have a set menu of BBQ Fish and Butterflied Garlic Prawns on a bed of Salad andPotato Salad while at anchor in the bay. We then hoist the Sails to enjoy a slice of Cheesecake with Fruit of the forest for dessrt while the sun is going down as we head back to the Marina! Why not enjoy a drink or two from our fully licensed Mermaid Bar on board.

What are you waiting for BOOK TODAY

Soak up the romance on Port Stephens’s sparkling crystal bay and celebrate the most romantic day of the year with Imagine Cruises. Treat you special love one, with a 2 hr cruise into the sunset whilst enjoying a 2 course Seafood BBQ Dinner Cruise.  Relax in the Bow Net with a Glass or Two of Champange, take a Quick Splash in the Boom Net, or even perform the ‘Titanic Thril’ with your loved one. 

At just $39 per adult, We set sail at 5:30pm (boarding 5:15) from dock C d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, NELSON BAY. If the weather is nice and you are keen, we head to a special spot and drop the anchor, where you can enjoy a splash in the water while dinner is being prepared! Our fixed menu includes; BBQ Fish and Garlic Prawns on a bed of green salad and mash with Cheesecake and Fruit of the Forest. We have the fully licenced ‘Mermaid Bar’ with an excellent selection of Wines and Beer. Then we’ll go sailing and enjoy the awesome sunsets and Port Stephen’s Resident Bottle nose dolphins often treat us with their magnificant beauty!

Why not book today to give your special love one a Valentines day to remember.. Cant Make Valentines Day- this cruise runs 7days a week from Oct-May so plenty of time to enjoy a night out with family and friends- organising a group get together?? Book a group of 20 or more on any of our cruises and you come out for free!

Broughton Island is a scenic paradise accessible only by boat and the only active seabird colony in New South Wales where camping is allowed. Inhabited by an extensive range of ground nesting seabirds, including the northern-most known little penguin colony (fauna list on request).

Imagine Cruises is now able to offer an exclusive guided camping experience on quite possibly the most spectacular of New South Wales’ coastal islands. This large and isolated island group is dotted with hidden coves, where snorkeling in pristine waters and walking extensive trails is a breathtaking experience. Nature lovers and amateur photographers will be well rewarded

This is a Wilderness. There are no crowds, no cars, no shops and no electricity. Imagine Cruises is exclusively permitted by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to provide professionally guided overnight nature camps on Broughton Island. Limited to a maximum of only 14 participants, the program includes boat transportation to and from the island, food and beverages, NPWS fees, tent accommodation and airbeds… hiking, snorkeling and nature viewing is hosted by two professional naturalists.

Here is a unique, first time opportunity to join a professionally guided and fully catered 3 day, 2 night, once in a lifetime nature camp. All inclusive for just $425 per person (concessions, family, and group rates available on request).

 1.5hr Dolphin + Sailing Cruise departing 11am daily

3.5hr Dolphin + Snorkelling Cruise departing 1pm daily

2hr Seafood BBQ Dinner Cruise departing 5:30pm daily