Sail, Swim And Snorkel

Whitianga: Experience Cathedral Cove; Sail, swim & snorkel

★ 4.9 202 reviews

from $92 per person

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Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Flaxmill Bay, Purangi Road
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
On board: Coffee and a baked snack, or beer or wine with fruit included
Run by: Boom Sailing

Overview

This three and a half hour sail with Boom Sailing starts at Flaxmill Bay, the sheltered cove between Cooks Beach and Whitianga. Crew meet you on the shoreline, run a short safety briefing, then ferry you out to the catamaran waiting at anchor in the bay. From there the boat sails through Mercury Bay past cliffs, beaches and islands, with a slow pass by Cathedral Cove itself.

The pace is deliberately gentle. Travellers can stretch out on beanbags and watch the Coromandel coast slide past, or take a turn on the tiller and pick up basics from the crew. Once the boat anchors, and if conditions allow, there is an optional swim or snorkel in the marine reserve with gear provided. Anyone who prefers to stay dry can simply remain on board.

Refreshments are included and depend on the departure: the morning sail serves coffee, juice and a baked snack, while the afternoon sail comes with local beer or New Zealand wine and a fruit platter. The trip suits adventurers, nature lovers and people who just want a quiet afternoon on the water, and it ends back where it started at Flaxmill Bay.

A white two-hulled sailing catamaran under full sail crosses open blue-green water off Flaxmill Bay, a low green headland behind.

What's Included

Included

Sailing cruise through Mercury Bay
Certified sailor and guide
Snorkeling gear
Freshly-brewed coffee, chilled juice, and a baked snack (morning tour)
Chilled local beer or New Zealand wine along with a fresh fruit platter (afternoon tour)

Itinerary

Meet at Flaxmill BayArrive at the shoreline at Flaxmill Bay, giving yourself time to park. Final check-in is 15 minutes before departure.
Safety briefingThe crew greets you on the beach and runs a short safety briefing before boarding.
Transfer to the catamaranYou are taken by small boat out to the sailing catamaran anchored in the bay.
Sail through Mercury BayThe skipper sets sail through calm bay waters past cliffs, beaches and islands, with a close pass by Cathedral Cove. Snacks and drinks are served along the way.
Optional swim and snorkelOnce anchored, and if conditions are good, you may swim or snorkel in the marine reserve. This stop is optional.
Return to Flaxmill BayThe boat sails back and the tour concludes at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical details shape the day, from check-in times to what the crew provide on board.

Where this tour sits among 3 tours in Sailing And Tairua Departures listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Local Guide Departure From Tairua$89
2-Hour Marine Wonders Tour$90.79
Sail, Swim and Snorkel (this tour)$92

Getting there. There is no hotel pickup; the tour starts at Flaxmill Bay. Arrive with time to spare, since check-in closes 15 minutes before departure and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals. One reviewer noted the drive can take longer than expected, so plan the route in advance.
What to bring. Pack swimwear, a towel and a jacket. You may also bring your own snacks and drinks on board.
On the water. The sailing itself is calm and relaxed, and reviewers repeatedly describe the atmosphere that way. You can help sail the boat or simply settle onto the beanbags. The catamaran is large, with plenty of space to unwind.
Food and drink. Morning departures include coffee, juice and a baked snack; afternoon departures include beer or wine plus a fruit platter. Reviewers often mention the refreshments as a highlight, from the coffee to the fruit.
Swim conditions. Swimming and snorkelling are optional and depend on conditions on the day. When the boat anchors, the crew provide snorkel gear. Staying on board is a perfectly normal choice.
Photography. The sail passes close by Cathedral Cove, so keep cameras ready. The gentle pace leaves time to line up shots of the cove and the coastline.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The main friction point is the meeting point. Flaxmill Bay sits between Cooks Beach and Whitianga, and one reviewer was caught out expecting a departure from Whitianga itself, which meant an extra drive round the harbour. The swim and snorkel stop only happens if conditions are good, so it is not promised on every departure. Late arrivals are turned away, since the boat cannot wait. Commentary is in English.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start?

At Flaxmill Bay, a cove between Cooks Beach and Whitianga. There is no hotel pickup, so you make your own way there. Final check-in is 15 minutes before departure, and the boat cannot wait for late arrivals.

How Long Is The Sailing Trip?

The cruise runs for 3 hours and 30 minutes. The morning sail departs at 9:15 AM and the afternoon sail at 1:45 PM, or 11:00 AM during April. The meeting point may vary depending on the option you select, so check the booking page.

What Is Included In The Price?

The sailing cruise through Mercury Bay, a certified sailor and guide, snorkelling gear, and refreshments. Morning tours include coffee, chilled juice and a baked snack. Afternoon tours include local beer or New Zealand wine with a fresh fruit platter.

Do I Have To Swim Or Snorkel?

No. Both are optional and only happen if conditions are good once the boat anchors. Many travellers simply stay on board and enjoy the scenery.

What Should I Bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel and a jacket. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks on board.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Full details are on the booking page. The tour is conducted in English.