THERE’s no question about it the people of Port Stephens, and the Myall are passionate about our migratory whales and despite everything that is going on in the world, the whales migration is a constant.

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It’s that time of year when locals get their “Whale On”.

Each year from May the humpback whales and other species make the trek north to the warmer waters of Queensland.

Experts estimate that around 30,000 whales will make the annual migration and they will return south from August with their calves.

Imagine Cruises have been offering virtual whale watching during the COVID-19 lockdown but for die hard enthusiasts the good news is that Moonshadow-TQC will be operating daily whale watching cruises from May 27.

These socially distanced experiences will offer those who partake a very private and exclusive experience.

Throughout the shutdown Moonshadow-TQC Cruises used the time to re-evaluate their business model and to make modifications to vessels to ensure they are compliant with new social distancing restrictions.

Mel Turner of Moonshadow-TQC told News Of The Area, “We have the benefit of large vessels that can comfortably comply with the social distancing rules, our crew and team have been inducted with special training to ensure all areas of the vessels are cleaned and we have made some rather large modifications to the vessels removing seating to ensure safe distance for those in the main cabin,” she said.

The company has also implemented new boarding procedures on the docks to the vessels’
With the current COVID-19 restrictions cruises will be limited to 10 passengers on board, this will change as restrictions are further eased.

The company is confident that they can safely get people back on the water for the highly anticipated Whale Season.

While some will whale watch from the boats, there are plenty of shore based vantage points around Port Stephens and the Myall Coast where you can enjoy the migration of these majestic creatures.

The Wild About Whales App lists vantage points and recent sightings as well as allowing avid whale watchers to record their sightings.

Some of the top whale watching spots include: The hole in the wall picnic area; Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse; the Tomaree gun emplacements; Elizabeth Beach picnic area and the foreshore areas at Boat Harbour and Fishermans Bay.

By Marian SAMPSON