The 9 Best Boat Tours in Whitianga

1.Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 937 reviews · from $93Our pick

From Whitianga Wharf, join a small-group cruise along Cathedral Cove and the Coromandel coast. See fish through clear glass panels, learn about Māori and European history, watch for seals and dolphins, and snorkel from the boat if conditions allow. Crews may include guides such as Caitie, Aliza, Brian, or Olivia.

“We had a great tour. It was very informative and professional. The boat was very comfortable, and the crew looked after us very well.”

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2.2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 816 reviews · 2 hours · from $83

Set out from Whitianga Wharf on a two-hour cruise with Ocean Leopard Tours. Your English-speaking guide, often Sam or Justin, takes you close to Cathedral Cove, Hahei, Lonely Bay, sea caves, pinnacles, and blowholes in a cushioned, sun-shaded boat. Bring a jacket, sunscreen, and camera.

“Fantastic experience with our guide Sam ensuring a safe and informative boat ride which far exceeded our expectations. What a beautiful bay!”

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3.2 Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise with Shade Canopy

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 393 reviews · from $96

Cruise from Whitianga with a guide such as Sam, Justin, Zinnia, or Liam, passing Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, Cathedral Cove, Hahei, and Orua Sea Cave. The shaded boat carries up to 16 people and focuses on coastal views, marine life, geology, and local stories. Swimming and snorkeling are not included.

“The tour takes you to several beautiful coves and beaches with great photo opportunities. The boat ride itself is a little adventure. Highly recommend”

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4.Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 190 reviews · 3h 30m · from $86

Spend 3.5 hours sailing from Flaxmill Bay toward Cathedral Cove with Boom Sailing. Crew members such as Hamish, Bridgette, Mat, and Katerina may invite you to help with the sails, or you can stretch out on beanbags, swim, snorkel, and enjoy coffee, wine, beer, fruit, or baked treats.

“Bridgette and her Greek colleague were both great hosts who took good care of is with drinks, fruits and blankets for the windy day! They patiently explained how the sail boat works and also let us try our hand at maneauvering it. Thank you for an amazing day!”

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5.Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 109 reviews · from $82Best value

Join Brian aboard the open 7.8-metre Cave Cruzer for a lively two-hour trip from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove. Expect fast boat rides, volcanic cliffs, hidden coves, Orua Sea Cave’s remarkable acoustics, Whale Cave, optional snorkeling, and a short rock jump.

“Our captain was incredible! He was funny and informative! The music playing while racing through the water was just such an experience!! Getting to go inside the caves was something we will all never forget! Truely one of the best tours we’ve ever done! DO JT!!”

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6.Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve: Snorkeling Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 52 reviews · 2 hours · from $85

From Hahei, you’ll ride a small speedboat past Cathedral Cove to sheltered snorkeling sites around the marine reserve. Expect a warm full wetsuit, quality gear, clear instruction from a scuba instructor, floatation aids, and about one hour in the water. Non-swimmers are welcome.

“Virkelig meget værdi for pengene! Vi så rokker og massere af fisk. Vi elskede også turen med jetboat! Nok min yndlings betalte aktivitet på ferien!”

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7.Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 31 reviews · 1 hour · from $86

From Hahei Beach, a small group of up to 10 people cruises 14km of volcanic coast to Cathedral Cove, sea caves, blowholes, bays, and marine reserve waters. Your English-speaking guide provides relaxed local commentary. The boat ride lasts one hour and includes life jackets and optional dry bags.

“Very nice Cruise on the océan to discover cathedral cove and other ocean caves… Seeing fishes ! Nice comments from a nice fellow during the cruise!!! Hermetic bags for valuable items are provided! Useful ! A good choice !”

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8.Coromandel: Aldermen Islands Marine Reserve Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 2 hours · from $98

Join Richie and the Coromandel Ocean Adventures team for a two-hour cruise from Tairua to the Aldermen Islands. Expect dramatic rock islands, seabirds, possible dolphins, seals, turtles, or whales, plus time to swim or snorkel. The boat carries no more than 12 people.

“Richie is a friendly and knowledgeable skipper. We had a great time cruising around the Aldermans with him.”

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9.Coromandel Adventure and Wildlife Boat Tour to Aldermen Islands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $102

Meet Richie and the Coromandel Ocean Adventures team at Tairua Marina for a two-hour boat trip to the rarely visited Aldermen Islands. Expect volcanic cliffs, endemic plants, seabirds, seals, dolphins, and possible whales. Seasonal snorkelling gear is included, though weather and wildlife sightings vary.

“Had a lovely time out on the water! We were able to see dolphins and go snorkeling. Ran into a bit of a traffic jam on the way, delaying start time and Richie was a gem and waited for everyone to arrive before starting. Would highly recommended this adventure!”

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