Glass Bottom Boat Cruise

Whitianga: 2-Hour Glass Bottom Boat Cathedral Cove Tour

★ 4.8 221 reviews

from $75 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

This two-hour cruise out of Whitianga Wharf does two things at once: it shows you the Coromandel coast from the water, and it shows you what lives under it through glass panels built into the boat. The route runs along a volcanic coastline to Cathedral Cove, with stops at sea caves, rock formations and coastal islands along the way.

The trip starts with harbour commentary covering Whitianga's history and Captain Cook's arrival, then picks up speed toward Shakespeares Cliff and the Cooks Beach blowhole. Inside the Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve the focus turns to the fish visible through the glass. One of the stops is the Orua Sea Cave, which the boat enters when conditions allow and which is known for its fish life and notable acoustics. On the return leg there is a swim and snorkel stop, with equipment provided, and a chance of spotting passing wildlife, which cannot be guaranteed.

It suits travellers who want coastline, caves and marine life in a single outing without getting wet, since the glass panels do the underwater work. Anyone who does want to swim can. Commentary runs throughout, covering history, geology and fish identification, and reviewers often describe the skippers as knowledgeable.

Sea caves and glass-bottom snorkel boats near Cathedral Cove.

What's Included

Included

2-hour glass bottom boat cruise
Snorkelling equipment

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks

Itinerary

Meet at Whitianga WharfCheck in at Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga, 12 The Esplanade, Whitianga, and board the boat.
Cruise the harbourThe boat heads out of the harbour with commentary on Whitianga's history and Captain Cook's arrival, then speeds up toward the coast.
Shakespeares Cliff and blowholePass Shakespeares Cliff and the Cooks Beach blowhole before continuing toward the marine reserve.
Cathedral Cove and baysGet a first look at Cathedral Cove and explore the surrounding bays, viewing fish such as snapper through the glass panels, with sightings varying by day.
Sea caves and rock pinnaclesCruise the coastline stopping at caves, rock pinnacles and islands, including the Orua Sea Cave, which the boat enters when conditions allow. The cave is known for its fish and acoustics.
Optional swim or snorkelOptional stop on the return leg for more fish viewing and a swim or snorkel. Snorkelling equipment is included.
Return to Whitianga WharfCruise back to the wharf with time to keep a lookout for wildlife and take in the coastal views.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this tour goes, from what to pack to how the weather can change the day.

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 (this tour)$75
Express Caves and Snorkelling Cruise$79.44
Cruise With Snorkeling Stop$84
Marine Reserve Snorkel Boat$94
Dive and Snorkel Marine Reserve$95.89

Bring the basics. Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera and sunscreen. That covers both time on the deck and the optional swim stop.
Swim or stay dry. The snorkel stop is optional and equipment is included, so travellers can stay aboard and watch the fish through the glass instead. The glass panels are the main way the tour shows the marine life.
Guides carry the commentary. Reviewers consistently describe the skippers as knowledgeable on local history, geology and marine life. Expect a running commentary rather than silence between stops.
Weather shifts matter. One reviewer noted the tour was still enjoyable on a cloudy day once the rain stopped and the water turned still. Weather can affect the experience, so check conditions before heading to the wharf.
Photography is easy. Reviewers mention great photo opportunities and beautiful cliffs and unusual rocks along the route. Bring a camera; the scenery and cave stops give plenty to point it at.
No food aboard. Food and drinks are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. Wildlife sightings through the glass depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed, and some travellers wanted clearer expectations about visibility on the day. Any passing wildlife is a matter of chance, so the trip should not be booked on the promise of seeing it. Weather can affect the experience; one reviewer described a good trip on a cloudy, still day after the rain stopped. Pets and large bags are not allowed on board, and no food or drink is provided.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tour And Where Does It Start?

The cruise runs for two hours and departs from Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga at 12 The Esplanade, Whitianga. You make your own way there, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What Is Included In The Price?

The two-hour glass bottom boat cruise and snorkelling equipment are included. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not.

Do I Have To Swim Or Snorkel?

No. The swim and snorkel stop is optional. You can stay on the boat and view the marine life through the glass panels, which is the main way the tour shows you what lives in the reserve.

What Might We See Through The Glass Bottom?

The glass panels give views of the reserve's marine life, along with birdlife along the coast. Any larger animals pass through by chance, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

A hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera and sunscreen are recommended. Leave large bags and luggage behind, as they are not allowed on board, and note that food and drinks are not included.