Cruise With Snorkeling Stop

From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling

★ 4.9 132 reviews

from $84 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: Whitianga Wharf pontoon, The Esplanade
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Cave Cruzer

Overview

Cave Cruzer Boat Tours runs this two-hour cruise out of Whitianga Wharf, and the boat itself sets it apart. At 7.8 metres, it is the only vessel of its size operating in Mercury Bay, small enough to enter caves and blowholes that cabin boats cannot, and open-topped so the volcanic ceilings stay in view. The run covers roughly 24 kilometres of protected Coromandel coastline and islands, most of it unreachable except by water.

The route passes Shakespeare Cliff, along with Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach and the ancient blowhole at Champagne Bay. Cathedral Cove is the main draw, with commentary covering Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon formation and the filming locations from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The trip then enters Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave when tide and swell allow, where the guide plays music so passengers can hear the acoustics. Optional snorkelling and rock jumping in the marine reserve are offered when tide and swell allow, with a full refund available if the snorkel stop cannot happen.

It suits travellers who want a fast, commentary-rich ride rather than a large-cabin cruise. The boat cruises at 55 km/h on open water, so it moves.

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

Live guided commentary throughout
Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
Snorkel gear
Life jackets and safety briefing

Not Included

Food and beverages
Transport to Whitianga Wharf

Itinerary

Check in at Whitianga WharfMeet at the Cave Cruzer boat on the floating pontoon opposite 13 The Esplanade, 15 minutes before departure. Departure is from Whitianga Wharf, The Esplanade, Whitianga 3510.
Cruise Mercury BayAbout 20 minutes of water transport out into the bay, with guided commentary on the geology, Maori history and marine life of Te Whanganui-o-Hei.
Coastline sightseeingPass Shakespeare Cliff, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach and the blowhole at Champagne Bay, with a photo stop along the Coromandel Peninsula.
Cathedral Cove Marine ReserveGuided sightseeing at the cove, covering Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon and the Narnia filming locations.
Orua Sea CaveWhen tide and swell allow, the boat heads inside New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, where the guide plays music to demonstrate the acoustics.
Gemstone Bay and Whale CaveOptional snorkelling and rock jumping, subject to tide and swell on the day, with the chance to view fish in the marine reserve.
Poikeke Island and returnA final guided sightseeing pass before arriving back at Whitianga Wharf.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from what to wear to how the optional snorkel stop works.

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 (this tour)$84
Marine Reserve Snorkel Boat$94
Dive and Snorkel Marine Reserve$95.89

What to bring. Bring a windbreaker, swimwear, camera, sunscreen and a charged smartphone. You will want the swimwear if conditions allow the optional snorkelling, and the windbreaker because the open boat moves fast on open water.
Hold your hat. Secure hats and glasses before departure, since the boat cruises at 55 km/h on open water. One reviewer described the skipper opening the boat up when the water was smooth, so grip anything loose.
Snorkelling is optional. Snorkelling and rock jumping are extras dependent on tide and swell. One reviewer could not snorkel due to sea conditions but still rated the tour worthwhile, and the operator offers a full refund if the snorkel stop cannot run.
Guide-led commentary. Live commentary runs throughout, covering geology, Maori history and marine life. Reviewers repeatedly praise the skipper's humour and knowledge, and mention music played during the ride.
No food on board. Food and beverages are not included. Transport to Whitianga Wharf is also not included, so plan to make your own way to the wharf.
Wildlife is seasonal. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, so treat any encounter as a bonus.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The main uncertainty is weather: snorkelling and rock jumping only happen when tide and swell permit, and one reviewer missed the snorkel stop on their day. The boat is not suitable for children under 10 kg, and no lap sitting is allowed. Departure times vary, so check availability online. There is no hotel transport and nothing to eat or drink on board. The operator cancels for a full refund if the tour cannot run, and passengers can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Live guided commentary, snorkel gear, life jackets and a safety briefing are all included, along with access to caves and blowholes that larger vessels cannot enter. Snorkelling and rock jumping are optional extras, dependent on sea and weather conditions on the day. Food, beverages and transport to the wharf are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

It departs from Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade in Whitianga 3510. Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat on the floating pontoon opposite 13 The Esplanade, 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included.

Can Children Join The Cruise?

Yes, though the boat is not suitable for children under 10 kg and lap sitting is not allowed. Reviewers with children aged 9 and 12 said they had a lot of fun despite less than ideal weather, and another reviewer called the ride great for teens.

What Happens If We Cannot Snorkel?

Snorkelling depends on tide and swell conditions on the day. If the snorkel stop cannot happen, passengers are eligible for a full refund. If the operator cancels or critically reschedules the tour, a full refund also applies.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund. The same full refund applies if the operator cancels the tour. Check the booking page for refund terms inside 24 hours.

What Should I Wear And Bring?

Bring a windbreaker, swimwear, a camera, sunscreen and a charged smartphone. Secure hats and glasses before departure, because the boat travels at 55 km/h on open water. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan to snorkel.