Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

★ 5.0 1,038 reviews

from $85.11 per person

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Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: Whitianga Wharf, The Esplanade
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga

Overview

A glass-bottom boat leaves from Whitianga Wharf and travels along the coast, with Cathedral Cove as the headline stop. This listing does not include a landing, so this is a view-from-the-water trip: you see the cove and the surrounding coastline from the deck, alongside other coves and points along the way. One of the extra stops travellers mention is the Orua Sea Cave, which the boat visits when conditions allow.

The glass panel in the hull is the point of difference. The area is a protected marine reserve, and reviewers regularly describe large snapper gathering under the viewing floor, sometimes with other species alongside. There is usually a swim and snorkel stop off the boat in one of the coves. Crew narrate the coast as you go, sharing local history and facts about the area.

Groups are capped at 14 travellers, and reviewers mention a limited number of guests on board. The ride between stops can be choppy, which some travellers found fun and others found queasy. It suits first-time snorkellers and anyone who wants the coast and the snorkelling without a hike, and it works as a companion to walking into Cathedral Cove on land rather than a substitute for it.

18tours listed on this site

$69 to $177per-person from-prices across the whole site, USD

5tour types

3,350reviews across all site tours

What's Included

Included

Professional and friendly crew

Itinerary

Meet at Whitianga WharfArrive at the Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade in Whitianga, across the road from 13 Esplanade, 15 minutes before departure.
Board the glass-bottom boatThe crew welcomes you aboard and the boat heads out along the coast.
Coastal cruise with commentaryThe boat travels along the coast between coves and points. Expect some choppiness between stops. Crew share history, facts about the coast and information about the marine reserve.
Cathedral Cove from the waterThe boat stops at Cathedral Cove for viewing and photos. This listing does not include a landing; the cove is seen from the water.
Orua Sea Cave (conditions permitting)The boat visits the Orua Sea Cave when conditions allow. This stop depends on conditions on the day.
Glass-bottom viewing and snorkel stopFish, often large snapper, are viewed through the glass floor. There is a swim and snorkelling stop off the boat in one of the coves.
Return to Whitianga WharfThe trip ends back at the same wharf where it began, after two hours on the water.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in reviews.

Cheapest from-price in each tour type, per person, USD

Seasickness preparation. Two travellers mention a choppy ride between stops, and one recommends seasickness tablets if that bothers you. Another described the choppy conditions as fun. Either way, it is worth coming prepared.
Bring water. One reviewer advises bringing a water bottle, especially in warm weather. The trip runs two hours with exposure on the water. No food or drink is listed as included.
Snorkel gear and swimming. A swim and snorkel off the boat is part of the trip. Reviewers describe it as a fun, fairly short stop rather than a long session, and one called it a good first snorkelling experience.
Small group setting. The boat is capped at 14 travellers, and reviewers mention a limited number of guests on board. Most describe an attentive crew.
Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund. Choppy conditions on the day can still make for a bumpy ride, according to reviewers.
Photography. Coastal scenery and fish through the glass floor are the main shots.

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Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The trip needs a minimum number of travellers and good weather; if either forces a cancellation, the operator offers a different date, a different experience or a full refund. One reviewer reported seeing mostly snapper and was disappointed by the limited fish variety; sightings cannot be guaranteed. Another noted a late start caused by late arrivals in their group. This listing does not include a landing at Cathedral Cove.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At the Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade in Whitianga, directly across the road from 13 Esplanade. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. The trip ends back at the same wharf.

How Long Is The Cruise?

The duration is two hours. Reviewers' accounts of the time on the water match that figure.

Is There Hotel Pickup?

The meeting point is the Whitianga Wharf. Hotel pickup is not included.

What Is Included?

The tour includes a professional and friendly crew and covers the coastal cruise, glass-bottom viewing and a swim and snorkel stop. Food and drink are not included.

Is It Suitable For Kids And People With Limited Mobility?

Most travellers can participate, and infants must sit on laps.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Weather cancellations come with a different date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum traveller number is not met.