Dive And Snorkel Marine Reserve

Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel Boat Tour Hahei Marine Reserve

★ 5.0 15 reviews

from $95.89 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Hahei Beach Road, Hahei
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel

Overview

This two hour boat trip out of Hahei pairs a snorkelling session inside the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve with a pass by Cathedral Cove itself. You check in at the Dive Centre on Hahei Beach Road, get fitted with gear there, and head out on the water with experienced diving and snorkelling skippers. The core of the trip is a full hour in the water swimming among the marine life, with the cove visit on the way.

Equipment is a strong point here. Full long arm and long leg warm wetsuits, snorkelling gear, and prescription masks with optical lenses for those who need them are all included. The boat carries a maximum of 10 travellers.

Most travellers can participate, with a minimum age of 5 years. Reviewers mention snorkelling through weeds, rocks and caves, and one reviewer reported seeing stingrays and even orca on their trip, though sightings cannot be guaranteed. One reviewer also noted commentary on the geology and Maori heritage of the area, so there can be more to the trip than just the swim.

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Sea Caves, Glass-Bottom And Snorkel Boats listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Glass Bottom Boat Cruise$75
Express Caves and Snorkelling Cruise$79.44
Cruise With Snorkeling Stop$84
Marine Reserve Snorkel Boat$94
Dive and Snorkel Marine Reserve (this tour)$95.89

What's Included

Included

Use of snorkelling equipment
Full long arm/long leg warm wetsuits
Prescription masks with optical lenses
Experienced Diving and Snorkeling Skippers
Full one hour in the water swimming with the marine wildlife
Visit Cathedral Cove on the way

Itinerary

Meet at the Dive CentreCheck in at 48 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei, in the Hahei Village Centre. All equipment is organised at the store before departure. Free pickup from Hot Water Beach Top 10 is available on request.
Boat out past Cathedral CoveThe trip visits Cathedral Cove on the way out to the snorkel site.
Snorkel in the marine reserveA full hour in the water swimming with the marine life of the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, with skippers on hand throughout.
Return to HaheiThe activity ends back at the meeting point in Hahei. The total duration is 2 hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip.

A small tour boat seen from low on the water near Cathedral Cove, its wake spreading past cream cliffs topped with pohutukawa.

Warm wetsuits. Full long arm and long leg warm wetsuits are included, so you do not need your own. One reviewer specifically noted the gear was in very good condition and very clean.
Bring prescription needs. Prescription masks with optical lenses are provided. If you wear glasses, mention this when equipment is fitted at the store.
Group size capped at 10. The tour runs with a maximum of 10 travellers. Multiple reviewers describe the staff as friendly and professional.
Interpretive commentary. Expect more than a boat ride. Reviewers said the skipper explained the area, including geological overviews and Maori heritage, and one reviewer described a skipper genuinely excited when wildlife appeared.
Wildlife is wild. Reviewers have reported large numbers of fish, a young stingray, and on one occasion orca near the end of a trip. Sightings cannot be promised.
Parking. Parking behind the store is limited, but there is free parking in the Village entry carpark as you come into Hahei, a short walk from the Dive Centre.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The trip is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with back problems or serious heart or other medical conditions. It requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for poor conditions you are offered a different date or a full refund. The minimum age is 5, and orca sightings like the one a reviewer described are a matter of luck rather than a scheduled part of the trip. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Snorkelling equipment, full long arm and long leg warm wetsuits, and prescription masks with optical lenses are all included. Experienced diving and snorkelling skippers guide the trip, and you get a full hour in the water plus a visit to Cathedral Cove on the way. Check the booking page for any exclusions.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

If this matters to you, check the booking page before you go to see whether food and drink are included or excluded.

Where Does The Tour Meet, And Is Pickup Available?

You meet at the Dive Centre at 48 Hahei Beach Road, Hahei, where all equipment is fitted. Free pickup from Hot Water Beach Top 10 is available on request. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is It Suitable For Kids Or People With Limited Mobility?

The minimum age is 5 years old and most travellers can participate. However, the trip is not wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for travellers with back problems or serious heart or other medical conditions.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, no refund is given and changes are not accepted. Cut off times are based on local time. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you get a choice of a different date or a full refund.

How Long Is The Tour And How Much Time Is Spent In The Water?

The whole experience runs for 2 hours, with a full hour of that spent in the water swimming with the marine wildlife. Cathedral Cove is visited on the way. Groups are capped at 10 travellers.