Coast And Cave, 2.5 Hours

Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Tour

★ 4.9 136 reviews

from $70 per person

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Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Blacksmith Lane, Whitianga
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Mercury Bay Discoveries

Overview

This two and a half hour boat trip out of Whitianga covers the volcanic stretch of coast around Cathedral Cove, and it packs a lot into the time. Travellers board a vessel with a toilet and shower on board, with tea, coffee and water sold on board, then run along the Pacific shoreline past Orua Sea Cave, Champagne Rocks, offshore islands and sandy beaches. The skipper and guide give commentary over a speaker system as you go, mixing geology and local history, including stories that one reviewer recalled about Captain Cook's time in the area.

The main in-water stop is in the Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve, where passengers can snorkel among large snapper and swim. Gear and swim vests are provided, and there is a shower on board for after the swim. Cave entry depends on conditions: one recent group was taken inside despite sizeable swell, thanks to an experienced captain, but swell can change the route on any given day.

One reviewer felt the boat gave a better view of Cathedral Cove and the coastline than walking on the beach. One reviewer with a severe disability reported the crew helped them get around and recommended the trip to others with impairments.

The mouth of a sea cave on the Cathedral Cove coast seen from a boat, wet dark rock walls and green water glowing inside.

What's Included

Included

Snorkelling gear
Swim vests

Itinerary

Meet at The EsplanadeCheck in at 1 The Esplanade, Whitianga. This is the meeting point for the tour.
Board the vesselClimb aboard a boat with a toilet and shower, with tea, coffee and water sold on board, and space to move around during the trip.
Cruise the volcanic coastThe skipper heads along the Pacific coastline past Orua Sea Cave, Champagne Rocks, isolated islands and pristine sandy beaches, with commentary over the built-in speaker system. Check the booking page for the stop order.
Cathedral CoveView the cove and the surrounding marine reserve from the water.
Snorkel in the marine reserveOptional swim stop among large snapper in the Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve. Snorkelling gear and swim vests are supplied, and a shower is available back on board.
Return to WhitiangaThe skipper runs back along the coast to the departure point at The Esplanade.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this trip.

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Coast and Cave, 2.5 Hours (this tour)$70
Scenic Cruise, 2 Hours$78
Scenic Caves and Coastline Cruise$79.44
2-Hour Volcanic Coast Cruise$84
Ocean Leopard, Volcanic Coast$85.11

What to bring. Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. One reviewer wished fins had come with the snorkel gear, so temper expectations there: the tour includes snorkelling gear and swim vests only.
Onboard comfort. The vessel has a toilet and a shower, and tea, coffee and water are sold on board. One reviewer described a warm fresh-water shower after snorkelling as a welcome touch.
Pace and fitness. Little walking is involved. Reviewers described moving freely around the boat, and the snorkel stop is optional, so non-swimmers can stay on board and still see the coast.
Wildlife luck. The tour snorkels in a marine reserve known for large snapper, and one reviewer reported seeing a school of them. One group also spotted common dolphins. Dolphins are wild, so treat them as a bonus rather than a promise.
Cave conditions. Orua Sea Cave entry depends on swell. One reviewer's captain took the boat in despite high waves, but on another day the skipper may keep a safer distance.
Guide knowledge. Reviewers repeatedly praised the crew's commentary and local history, from geology to Captain Cook. Several travellers also called the guides friendly and helpful.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. Cave entry and the exact route depend on sea conditions, so the trip can vary between departures. No food is included; tea, coffee and water are sold on board, so bring anything else to eat. Hotel pickup is not part of the tour; travellers meet at The Esplanade in Whitianga.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour And Where Does It Start?

It runs for two hours and thirty minutes. There is no hotel pickup, the meeting point is 1 The Esplanade, Whitianga.

Is Snorkel Gear Included?

Yes, snorkelling gear and swim vests are both included. One reviewer wished fins had been provided as well.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

Tea, coffee and water are sold on board, along with a shower and toilet. No food or drink is included in the fare, so bring your own if you want more.

Can I Join If I Don't Want To Swim?

Yes. Snorkelling and swimming are optional, and reviewers describe a comfortable boat with room to move around. One traveller with a severe disability reported the crew helped them manage on board and the trip worked well.

What Should I Bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. A shower is available on board for after the swim.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for the cancellation terms inside that window before reserving.