Mercury Bay Discoveries Cathedral Cove Coast And Cave Tour

★ 5.0 288 reviews

from $79.44 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

Mercury Bay Discoveries runs this two and a half hour boat trip out of Whitianga, along the Coromandel coast to Cathedral Cove and the sea caves around it. Crew commentary covers local history and the coastline, and several travellers single out the crew's friendliness and knowledge.

The trip suits a broad range of visitors. It is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and the boat carries up to 30 travellers. A restroom and changing room are on board, plus a warm fresh water shower for after the swim, with coffee, tea and water available to purchase.

You meet at Blacksmith Lane in Whitianga, beside an orange flag on the grassy area opposite 1 Esplanade, twenty minutes before departure, next to the ramp down to Z Pier. The tour ends back at the same spot. Snorkelling gear is included, though one reviewer noted life jackets are required in the water, which made surface diving awkward.

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What's Included

Included

Use of snorkelling equipment
Restroom and changing room
Warm fresh water shower for after swimming

Itinerary

Meet in WhitiangaArrive at the grassy area opposite 1 Esplanade, next to the ramp leading down to Z Pier, twenty minutes before the tour starts. Look for the orange flag.
Board at Z PierThe boat is berthed at Z Pier, a short walk down the ramp from the meeting point.
Cruise the coastlineThe boat travels along the coast from Whitianga, with commentary on local history and time to take in the scenery.
Cathedral Cove and sea cavesThe route takes in Cathedral Cove and nearby sea caves, including a reverse into a rock cave where sea conditions allow.
Snorkel stopA snorkel stop in the marine reserve, with a warm fresh water shower on board afterwards.
Return to WhitiangaThe boat returns to Z Pier and the tour ends back at the original meeting point.

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

Warming up after. The boat has a warm fresh water shower for after swimming.
Swimming and gear. Snorkelling equipment is included, and a restroom, changing room and warm fresh water shower are provided. Life jackets are available for swimming, and one reviewer found they restricted diving below the surface.
Weather matters. The cave entry and snorkelling depend on sea conditions, and the experience requires good weather. If weather cancels a departure, a different date or a full refund is offered.
Group feel. The boat takes a maximum of 30 travellers, so it is a shared group trip rather than a private charter.
Accessibility. Transport and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. Most travellers can participate.
Meeting point care. Directions to the orange flag opposite 1 Esplanade are given by the operator. Arrive twenty minutes early, and allow time to find the grassy area by the ramp down to Z Pier.

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Common issues. The tour depends on weather and sea state, and some elements, such as reversing into the cave, are not possible when conditions are poor. There is also a minimum traveller number, and if it is not met the operator offers a different date, a different experience or a full refund. Drinks are not included, only available to buy. One reviewer reported being given incorrect meeting directions and having to rush, so it is worth confirming the meeting point carefully.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour And Where Does It Start?

The tour runs for two hours and thirty minutes. It meets at the grassy area opposite 1 Esplanade in Whitianga, beside an orange flag next to the ramp down to Z Pier, and you should arrive twenty minutes before departure. The trip ends back at the same point.

Is Snorkelling Equipment Included?

Yes, use of snorkelling equipment is included. The boat also has a restroom, a changing room and a warm fresh water shower for after swimming.

Is Food And Drink Included?

No. Coffee, tea and water are available to purchase on board. Plan to bring any food you want.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

The tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, transport and surfaces are accessible, and service animals are allowed. One reviewer said their children loved the trip, and another described a welcoming family atmosphere. Most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Weather cancellations and minimum traveller numbers not being met both result in an offered alternative date or a full refund.

How Many People Are On The Boat?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travellers. Reviews describe a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with crew commentary on the coastline and its history.