Scenic Cruise, 2 Hours

Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises 2-Hour Boat Tour

4 reviews

from $78 per person

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Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: The Esplanade, Whitianga
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises

Overview

This two-hour cruise leaves from Whitianga Wharf and runs along the Coromandel coast to Cathedral Cove, with visits to the Orua Sea Cave, Shakespeare Cliff and Cooks Blowhole among the listed stops. Skippers from Cathedral Cove Scenic Cruises give commentary on local history as the boat travels through Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, where passengers can swim and snorkel among fish. Masks and snorkels are provided at no charge, and swimming is entirely optional.

The boat itself is a former coast guard rescue vessel, which the operator points to as a comfortable and safe ride suitable for all ages. Between the volcanic islands, caves and Mercury Bay coastline, the trip works well for photographers and anyone who prefers to see the coast from the water rather than walk in.

Reviewers have described the commentary as detailed, covering the history of each bay and cave, and more than one reported orca sightings on their trip, though those depend on the day. The tour is run in English, departs daily, and suits families, nature lovers and casual swimmers alike.

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

2-hour scenic boat cruise
Visit to Shakespeare Cliff
Visit to Cooks Blowhole
Visit to Orua Sea Cave
Visit to Cathedral Cove
Snorkeling equipment
Life jackets

Not Included

Food and drinks

Itinerary

Meet at Whitianga WharfCheck in at 14 The Esplanade, Whitianga. The cruise departs from this wharf and no pickup is provided.
Cruise the Coromandel coastThe skipper narrates local history as the boat follows the Mercury Bay coastline through Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve.
Coastal landmarksThe cruise takes in Shakespeare Cliff, Cooks Blowhole and the Orua Sea Cave. Check the booking page for the order of the stops.
Cathedral CoveThe boat visits Cathedral Cove, with the option to swim and snorkel in the marine reserve. Equipment is provided and getting in the water is optional.
Return to Whitianga WharfThe boat returns to the departure point, with the full tour running two hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before you book, based on what travellers have reported.

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

Bring swimwear. Swimming and snorkeling in the marine reserve are optional but popular. Masks and snorkels are supplied at no charge, so you only need your own swimwear if you want to get in the water.
No toilet aboard. There is no toilet on board, so plan accordingly before departure. The trip runs a full two hours.
Dress for weather. This is a coastal cruise on a former coast guard rescue boat, and conditions on the water vary. Bring warm layers or sun protection depending on the forecast.
Good for families. The operator describes the trip as suitable for all ages, and life jackets are provided. Commentary is given in English.
Wildlife luck varies. More than one reviewer reported orca sightings on their trips, and one mentioned seals. These are wild animals, so sightings cannot be promised on any given day.
No food or drink. Food and drinks are not included on this tour. This is the sole exclusion from the price.

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Common issues. The main practical limits are these: there is no toilet on board, food and drinks are not included, and smoking, alcohol and drugs are not allowed. One reviewer noted the trip felt longer than its duration, in a positive sense, but it is still a compact outing rather than a full-day cruise. Weather can affect both comfort and wildlife sightings, and sightings cannot be guaranteed. Cancellation is possible with a full refund up to 24 hours in advance through the booking page.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The two-hour boat cruise, visits to Cathedral Cove, Orua Sea Cave, Shakespeare Cliff and Cooks Blowhole, snorkeling equipment and life jackets are all included. Snorkels and masks carry no charge. Food and drinks are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

It departs from Whitianga Wharf at 14 The Esplanade, Whitianga. No hotel pickup is included, so you make your own way to the wharf.

Is Swimming Required?

No. Swimming and snorkeling are optional. You can stay on board and still see the cove, the sea cave and the coastline.

Is It Suitable For Kids?

The operator says the cruise is perfect for all ages and runs on a former coast guard rescue boat with life jackets provided. Commentary is in English.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

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

What Should I Bring?

Bring swimwear if you plan to swim, plus warm layers or sun protection for the boat ride. Note that there is no toilet on board and no food or drinks are provided.