Ocean Leopard, Volcanic Coast

Ocean Leopard - Cathedral Cove & Volcanic Coast Boat Tour

★ 5.0 468 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: Ocean Leopard Cathedral Cove Boat Tours

Overview

This two hour boat trip out of Whitianga Wharf covers the volcanic coastline of Mercury Bay. The boat calls past Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach and Cathedral Cove, then spends time inside the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve where reviewers say the fish are easy to watch from the deck. The route continues to Hot Water Beach and finishes with a run through Orua Sea Cave when sea conditions allow, before returning to the wharf.

The tour is a viewing trip, not a swim trip. Snorkelling and swimming are not part of it; the viewing is from the boat rather than in the water. Several travellers commented on the commentary covering the geology and history of the area.

It suits travellers who want the coastline and the cove from the water without a hike. With a maximum of 26 travellers and lifejackets, blankets and an onboard toilet provided, it works for families and for people who want a sit down tour rather than a physical one.

Looking down through a glass-bottom boat's viewing panel at kelp, a rocky reef and silver fish below the rippled surface.

What's Included

Included

Lifejackets
Blankets
Onboard toilet

Itinerary

Meet at Whitianga WharfThe meeting point is on The Esplanade in Whitianga, across the road from the Harbor House Cafe. The tour ends back at the same spot.
Lonely BayA 5 minute pass by Lonely Bay on the way out of the harbour.
Cooks BeachAround 10 minutes along this stretch of coast before pushing toward the cove.
Cathedral CoveAbout 8 minutes at the beach viewpoint, plus 8 minutes for the Cathedral Cove Walk section, all viewed from the water.
Marine ReserveRoughly 20 minutes inside Te Whanganui-o-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, where reviewers report seeing plenty of fish.
Hot Water BeachA 5 minute pass by this beach, seen from the boat. One reviewer reported that on their trip this stop did not happen, though the full 2 hour ride still ran.
Orua Sea CaveAbout 10 minutes at the sea cave, when sea conditions allow.
Return to WhitiangaThe boat runs back to the wharf. Reviewers warn the return leg can be fast and windy, so hold onto your hat.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points help this trip go smoothly.

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

Bring a layer. One reviewer who sailed in the afternoon said it turns chilly on the water. Blankets are provided, but a jacket is still worth packing.
Hold your hat. Multiple reviews mention wind on the run back to the wharf. A tie on or zip pocket for your hat helps.
Photo timing. Keep your camera ready during the marine reserve and cave sections, which come and go quickly. Reviewers describe plenty of photo opportunities along the coves and beaches.
No swimming. Snorkelling and swimming are not part of this tour. Plan any water time separately, and treat the viewing as a from the deck experience.
Families welcome. Most travellers can participate, and infants sit on laps. One reviewer reported that the kids in their group loved watching the fish; sightings cannot be guaranteed. Lifejackets are supplied.
Weather dependence. The trip requires good weather and will be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor. Build some flexibility into your plans in case your sailing needs to move.

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Common issues. The route and timing depend on weather and sea conditions, and the operator may reschedule or refund if conditions are poor. The tour also needs a minimum number of travellers to run, so low bookings can cause cancellation with an offer of a different date or a refund. One reviewer reported that the advertised pass by Hot Water Beach did not happen on their sailing, though the full duration was still delivered. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and Cathedral Cove itself is seen from the water rather than visited on foot.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Lifejackets, blankets and an onboard toilet are included. The itinerary stops carry no admission fees.

Where Does The Tour Start?

It starts and ends at Whitianga Wharf on The Esplanade in Whitianga, across the road from the Harbor House Cafe. Hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point is near public transport.

Can I Swim Or Snorkel At Cathedral Cove?

No. Snorkelling and swimming are not part of this tour. The Te Whanganui-o-Hei marine reserve is enjoyed from the boat, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Is The Tour Suitable For Kids And Older Travellers?

Most travellers can participate, and infants must sit on laps. One reviewer reported their children enjoyed the fish watching; sightings cannot be guaranteed. Wheelchairs cannot board the vessel, so travellers using one should consider a different option.

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. Inside 24 hours, no refund or changes are accepted. Weather cancellations and minimum number cancellations come with an offer of a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

A warm layer is the main one, since reviewers say afternoons on the water get chilly. A hat that will not blow away is useful for the fast return leg, and a camera or phone for the cove, cave and fish along the marine reserve.