Imagine Cruises by ProArt

Dedicated to the protection of Dolphins and Whales

So what is Eco-Tourism? Eco-Tourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.” Eco-tourists are looking to minimize the carbon footprint of their travel, traveling with climate in mind, planning wisely and choosing consciously. They are also looking to experience authentic and educational tours that give them the opportunity to give back to the communities they visit. Imagine Cruises is proud to be an Eco Certified Advanced Tourism operator.

Dolphin Watch There are almost 100 resident Bottlenose Dolphins that live in the Bay at Port Stephens. Join us on board Imagine as we spend time with some of these fabulous ‘locals’. Relax in the dry bow-net, hang on tight for a ride in the jet-net, or give yourself a ‘Titanic’ thrill at the end of the bow sprit. We’ll hoist the sails if conditions permit, while you relax and experience the best that the Bay has to offer. Or Explore the Bay, learn about our incredible Marine Park and help us with our research, onboard Envision. The ‘big, red boat’ is used to photograph, identify and study the movements and behaviours of our dolphins and we’d love you to join us! There are lots of fantastic photo opportunities as we search for ‘Nicky’ and her pod…or ‘Ziggy’…or ‘Pop’ (yes, most of our resident dolphins have names!)

• Dolphin Guarantee •F riendly and knowledgeable Crew • 360° viewing • Complimentary Tea/Coffee * all cruises subject to sea conditions *minimum numbers apply

ADULT $28 CHILD (2-16) $15 CONCESSION $25 FAMILY (2A + 2C) $71 1.5 HOUR TOUR – OPERATES DAILY

DID YOU KNOW? Bottlenose Dolphins grow to a maximum of 2.5 metres long, weigh up to 200kg, and can eat up to 10kg of fish per day... that’s a LOT of fish! A male dolphin lives for around 40 years, while females can live up to 50 years in the wild. The girls live together with their offspring, while the boys form alliances and move between the female pods. These super-intelligent mammals are ‘conscious’ breathers... unlike us, they have to think about every breath they take! They sleep by shutting down only one half of their brain at a time, so that they are still able to surface and take a breath!

Whale Watch On their annual migration, the magnificent Humpbacks travel 10,000km and generally pass within 3km of our coastline.

This is perfect, as it allows us to spend time with these incredible mammals, watching them swim and play! Head offshore with us, to witness the Whales as they move amongst the islands of the Marine Park. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and flocks of oceanic sea birds, and get your cameras ready to snap a photo of the Southern Fur Seals lazing on the rocks at Cabbage Tree Island! Sail with IMAGINE - so quiet that you can hear the whales breathe! 3 HOURS DURATION - TWICE DAILY FROM MAY – NOVEMBER. Or Cruise with ENVISION - head straight out to the whales, less travelling time, more time with these awesome creatures. 1.5 HOUR DURATION - TWICE DAILY FROM MAY – NOVEMBER. ADULTS $63 CHILD (2-16) $30 CONCESSION $53 FAMILY (2A + 2C) $156 • Whale Guarantee • Friendly & Knowledgeable Crew • Informative commentary • 360° viewing • Complimentary Tea/Coffee *all cruises subject to sea conditions *minimum numbers apply

DID YOU KNOW? These gentle giants can weigh up to 2 tonnes at birth and can reach up to 50 tonnes as an adult. They grow to between 14-18 metres in length, which is longer than a bus! Humpbacks use their massive tail fins to propel themselves through the water, and of course, use them to propel themselves right out of the water when they decide that it’s time for a bit of fun!

Taken from the bowsprit of ‘Imagine’ as the whale surfaced beneath, this photo gives us a clear look at the double blowhole. Humpbacks exhale air at a speed of more than 300km/hr and can exchange up to 90% of their lung capacity in a single breath!

Did you know that whales have hair? The bumps on their head are called ‘Tubercles and they each hold a single hair that is used to regulate temperature, navigate, and sense things in the water. They work just like a cats whiskers!

Snorkel & Swim Our Marine Park is home to some incredible creatures, and we always meet a few of them on our Discovery tours. HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A BANJO RAY? Did you know that juvenile Banjo Rays (or Fiddler Rays) mainly eat small crustaceans like prawns, while the adults would rather feed on crabs or small fish? These wonderful rays are harmless to humans and fabulous to watch as they swim gracefully by. And everybody loves it when we come across a friendly Blue Groper! All Blue Gropers start life as a female...but some of them change and become male later in their life! It’s the boys that are the beautiful vivid blue colour! Gropers are really friendly and inquisitive fish….don’t be surprised if they swim Sylke Rohriach up close to get a better look at you!

IMAGINE: Marine Discovery

Let us introduce you to a rich and ever-changing underwater world. Enjoy a leisurely cruise onboard IMAGINE through the Bay, stop and visit our Bottlenose Dolphins, then head out to an offshore island. In the sheltered lea of Cabbage Tree or Fingal Island, you’ll find an amazing and diverse range of marine life and vegetation – fish, sea urchins, soft corals, and rays, all waiting to be discovered! On our return, we’ll hoist our sails, while you relax and take in some of the most scenic landscape along the NSW coast. • Qualified Dive-Master/Snorkel Guide • Hire of snorkel, fins & mask included • Complimentary Tea/Coffee/water • Sailing when conditions permit • Comfortable downstairs cabin • Licensed bar • Snack food available • Clean restrooms • Dolphin Guarantee 3 HOUR TOUR - OPERATES DAILY FROM DECEMBER - APRIL Adults $63 Concession $53 Child (2-16 years) $30 Family $156

SWIM WITH WILD DOLPHINS

ENVISION:

Bright and early, we leave the bay and head offshore with ‘Dolphin Swim Australia’, in search of the Short-Beaked Common Dolphin and the Oceanic Bottlenose Dolphin. Known to be cheeky and playful, they love to bow-ride our vessel (‘Imagine’)… and that’s when we get to see how incredible these species of dolphin truly are!

Swim, splash or snorkel! Whether you’re a beginner snorkeler, want to practice your skills or just want to jump in, have a swim and enjoy the beautiful warm waters of our Bay, join us onboard ENVISION for some fun in the sun!

Once a dolphin pod approaches the boat, our swimmers enter the water and are slowly pulled along while attached to a rope at the bow. The dolphins, who are extremely curious, crisscross the bow…and love to get quite close so that they can people-watch! A unique experience, so upclose and personal…the swimmers really do become a part of the pod!

Bay Discovery

We’ll spend time exploring the Marine Park… spotting some dolphins or some of our other incredible marine life…and then we’ll anchor up and all get wet! Make use of our masks and snorkels and discover the underwater world… take a gentle, relaxing dip…or jump in, splash and swim! It’s up to you! • Qualified Dive-Master/Snorkel Guide • Hire of snorkel, fins & mask included • Complimentary bottled water • 360° viewing 1.5 HOUR TOUR - OPERATES DAILY FROM DECEMBER - APRIL Adults $43 Concession $33 Child $23 (2-16 years) Family $110

‘Dolphin Swim Australia’ is the only permitted wild dolphin swim in NSW… and offers a completely unique and totally extreme in-water dolphin experience. Only 5 swimmers at a time are attached to the specialised bridle, with a maximum of 20 swimmers and 20 observers on each cruise. WEEKENDS: 6AM TO 10AM. SEPTEMBER – MAY • Weekdays on demand • Hire of wetsuit, mask & snorkel included • Professional Dive-Master instruction and support • Complimentary light breakfast. Swimmers $289 Observers $60

Fingal Island & Lighthouse Tour – ‘An Island Adventure’ In 1857, after 24 known shipwrecks, it was realised that Port Stephens needed a lighthouse.

It wasn’t until 1862 that the 21m high, sandstone lighthouse on Fingal Island was built. Back then, it was lit by 12 kerosene lamps, which gave out 200 Candela or 200 candle light of power. It was managed by a keeper and his assistants, who worked together to keep the lamps burning right throughout each night. These days, nearly 160 years later, the lighthouse still shines but now it is solar powered and fully automated and gives out 40,000 Candelas of light! Our own skipper Frank, was the last caretaker on the Island! Fingal Island is full of rich history and incredible views! You can see right across Fingal Bay and the views looking along the coastline are spectacular! Learn about Government Cove (where the ships once delivered supplies, including the sandstones blocks used to build the lighthouse!), Shark Bay (which is now a great snorkeling site) and an Aboriginal fish trap lagoon (which is a fabulous spot for swimming on warmer days)! During the cooler months, Fingal Island is the perfect place to try and spot a whale! ENVISION is purpose-designed to take you to the island quickly and smoothly and you will be delivered directly onto the beautiful unspoiled beach!

Our Marine Park and how we can protect it! Ray Alley

Located on the mid-north coast, and encompassing a massive 98,000ha, the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park is one of Australia’s most extraordinary marine playgrounds. There’s lot’s of opportunity for fun and play but we need to remember that the Park protects some of the state’s most precious marine creatures as well as their habitats, and then do our best to help minimize the impact that we have on them. What can affect our environment? Lots of things can affect our environment – climate change, over-fishing, pollution and storms are just a few. What can I do to help?

3.5HR TOUR operates weekends, all year round and weekday tours available for groups (4 or more). Tour includes: • Delivery to Island • Fully Guided Tour • Nature Walk • Lighthouse visit • ‘Ranger Checklist’ for kids • Swim in the secluded Lagoon (during warmer weather)  • Complimentary Tea/Coffee • Rain poncho if necessary ADULT $98 CONCESSION $88 CHILD (5-16) $68 FAMILY $290 *all cruises subject to sea conditions * minimum numbers apply KIDS!!! Become a ‘junior ranger’ for a day! Hear stories of shipwrecks, discover some bush food and learn about the different plants and wildlife that live on the island!

QR SCAN to see video

There are lots of ways you can help! • Start by reducing your carbon footprint – use more efficient transport systems (you could walk or ride a bike), use less energy in your home (as simple as turning off the lights that you don’t need), and reduce the amount of waste that you produce. • Enjoy fishing but only in unrestricted areas. Just take home the fish that you need and return the ones that are too small. Make sure that you take all discarded fishing gear like lines, tackle and bait bags, so that it can be disposed of properly. • Take a plastic bag with you when you go to the beach and collect all of the rubbish that you find. That way it won’t all end up in the ocean. • Choose Advanced Eco-Accredited tour companies when you are holidaying. Why should I? Marine Parks safeguard the wonderful and rich diversity of life in our oceans. By all working together to protect and care for our environment, we will ensure that our incredible underwater world is still there for many generations to enjoy in the future.

Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise Experience Port Stephens at the best time of day!

Private Charters

Seafood with the best view in town! IMAGINE is a unique venue, perfect for any occasion and when we hoist our sails, the atmosphere becomes truly special.

Imagine Cruises specialise in Private Charters for every budget. Birthday parties, conference activities, weddings, specialty groups, office parties, family get-togethers, school excursions, Christmas functions, bucks/hens parties...the list is endless!

While dinner is being prepared, relax on the deck with a fine wine or a cold beer, get wet in the boom net or take a ride in the dry bow-net! At anchor in a sheltered cove, you will have the choice of dining in the comfort of our downstairs cabin, or on our large, covered foredeck, alfresco style. We use fresh, local seafood to cook you a seasonal two course BBQ meal, with dessert being served as we depart the cove and sail back to the marina. There is no better way to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our Bay. 2.5 HOUR CRUISE DAILY FROM DECEMBER - APRIL • Sunset Sail on the Bay • Set 2 Course Menu (vegetarian & child options available) • Fully licensed bar with great selection of wines & beers • Complimentary Tea/Coffee  • Opportunity to see the resident Bottlenose Dolphins • Clean restrooms ADULTS $49 CHILD (2-16) $30 CONCESSION $44 FAMILY $128 *all cruises subject to sea conditions *minimum numbers apply

IMAGINE can cater for up to 60 guests and is available for both daytime or evening charters, all year round. BBQ Seafood dinner...champagne & finger food…self-catered? An afternoon of snorkeling?…a private whale or dolphin watch? Whatever your requirements, we are happy to help you create the type of event that you would like. • Fully stocked Licensed Bar • Downstairs cabin • Covered foredeck • Onboard sound-system • Clean restrooms ENVISION is available for smaller private groups. Plan a day of swimming/snorkeling in a sheltered cove or take a group on a beautiful scenic tour of Port Stephens. Let us provide you with finger food or snacks...or have a self-catered picnic and BYO alcohol. Envision is custom-designed to be able to land directly on the beach...Pick-ups & Transfers available. Ask us about Broughton Island group transfers for camping! • Onboard sound-system • Eskies/Ice available  • 360° viewing • Open foredeck • Sheltered seating at rear For info/pricing call 02 4984 9000 OR info@imaginecruises.com.au

Bundle Up and Save! We can help you plan your day or your whole weekend!

Imagine Cruises and Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters have teamed up so that you can experience the best of both worlds! With a focus on Education, Conservation and Fun, Irukandji is a unique, interactive aquarium that allows visitors to experience ocean life in a new and exciting way! Completely undercover and protected from the elements, visitors have the option to stay dry; enjoy a guided tour whilst feeding the Sharks and Rays or get in and get wet with a ‘Shark Encounter’! Donning a wetsuit/waders, the tour reaches a whole new level as you get up close and personal with these incredible creatures. Combine any Imagine Cruises tour with a visit to Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters and SAVE 10% ON BOTH ACTIVITIES.

WHALE/DOLPHIN WATCH CRUISE + SANDBOARDING COMBO PACKAGE AVAILABLE ONLINE CAN’T DECIDE?? CHOOSE ANY 2 OF IMAGINES CRUISES AND SAVE 15% Enjoy an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling with us…then have ‘an island adventure’ on Fingal the next day. Maybe meet the Bays dolphins today…and then enjoy sailing at sunset, while we prepare you a delicious seafood BBQ dinner tonight. The choice is all yours! Book online @ imaginecruises.com.au or phone 02 4984 9000.

DID YOU KNOW? The Smooth Ray is Australia’s largest species of string ray…and can weigh up to 350kg? Despite their huge size, they are a wonderfully gentle and inquisitive marine animal.

IMAGINE CRUISES is an advanced Eco-Accredited company that is dedicated to the protection of Dolphins and Whales. All of our tours are designed to combine environment and tourism in a successful partnership... we showcase the best that the Port Stephens and Great Lakes Marine Park has to offer, while simultaneously doing our best to educate our guests and take care of our spectacular environment as well as the creatures, both land and sea, that inhabit it.

IMAGINE ‘Imagine’ is a 54ft sailing catamaran, purpose-designed as a model for eco-tourism and capable of both offshore and inshore cruising. She offers a covered foredeck, as well as a comfortable downstairs cabin and bar.

ENVISION ‘Envision’ is a 40ft power cat, designed to move through the water quickly but safely and smoothly. She provides a 360° viewing platform, which is perfect for the keen photographer, and she is also capable of delivering guests directly onto the beach.

Find us on NELSON BAY FISH CO-OP

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Dock C, D’Albora Marinas Teramby Road, Nelson Bay NSW 2315 info@imaginecruises.com.au

Phone: 02 4984 9000 www.imaginecruises.com.au