Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
At 7.8 metres, Cave Cruzer is the only vessel of its size in Mercury Bay, small enough to navigate inside caves and blowholes larger boats cannot enter, open-topped so nothing blocks your view above. Between stops, Brian opens the throttle.
You will cover 24 kilometres of protected Coromandel coastline at speed. Cave Cruzer goes inside the ancient blowholes and cave systems that line the route. Other boats do not.
Cathedral Cove is the centrepiece, Te Hoho Rock, the Sleeping Dragon, Narnia filming locations, seen from the water. Further along, Whale Cave and the hole in the rock at Poikeke Island are landmarks that only make sense from the water.
The tour heads inside Orua, New Zealand's second-largest sea cave, where Brian plays music so you can hear what 700 cubic metres of rock does to sound.
Optional snorkelling and rock jumping available, subject to conditions.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not suitable for infants or children under 10 kg
Bring sunscreen, and a secured hat – the boat moves fast on open water
Bring a jacket or windproof layer depending on the season
Bring a camera or phone for photos
Bring your swimwear if you plan to snorkel or rock jump
Tour departure times vary, duration approximately 2hrs, check availability online
Check in at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade, Whitianga Wharf, 15 minutes before departure
All guests must be comfortable with high-speed manoeuvres and the jarring associated with fast boats
Not suitable for children under 10 kg; no lap sitting
Snorkelling and rock jumping are subject to sea conditions on the day and cannot be guaranteed
Cave and blowhole access is subject to tide and swell conditions
Marine wildlife sightings - dolphins, orca, seals, whales - cannot be guaranteed
Secure hats and glasses before departure
What To Expect
Whitianga
Meet the crew at the Cave Cruzer boat, on the floating pontoon, opposite 13 The Esplanade. Safety briefing before departure. History of Whitianga while making our way to the sea. Including what to expect when the boat reaches speed.
Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Brian points out the cliff formation Captain Cook named in 1769 and shares the story of how Mercury Bay got its name. The volcanic coastline opens up as you head south.
Options
Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Thrilling Boat Tour, Caves & Snorkeling
What‘s Included
Snorkel gear
Access to caves and blowholes unreachable by other vessels
High-speed runs between stops
Life jackets and safety briefing
Live guided commentary throughout
Food and beverages
Transport to Whitianga Wharf
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
294 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous trip.
RobynG374,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip exceeded expectations. It was so much fun. A little bit of cruising and a lot of fun manoeuvres in the water. We were able to get really close to a number of islands and bays, including right into caves and an awesome chamber. To get so close to cathedral cove in the water was amazing. The highlights , after the stunning coves and islands, were our captains knowledge of the area and geology, music and seeing fish and seals. If we had another day free in our trip I would want to do this trip again. Thanks Cave Cruzer.
Thrills, sunshine and dolphins!
967CarolineC,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great day today on the water today with Brian! It was a beautiful flat day, his tour commentary was interesting and entertaining and he did his best to include as many thrills as he could given there was no chop to play on. Saw tons of fish, water was warm for snorkelling. Highlight was definitely dolphins in the bay on the way back to Whitianga. He went over and above to make sure we had an amazing time. Would recommend taking a tour with Cave Cruzer!
Fun on the Ocean
OysterHB,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome boat trip, exciting and Thrilling. We visited many beautiful caves, blowholes and rock formations. Brian our skipper was fun and was very knowledgeable about the region which made the tour very interesting too.
Cruise across the sea at 80 km per hour and listen to AC DC.
jochenf435,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was very good 👍. Snorkeling with Red Snapper that were bigger than 80 cm, just great.
Very cool trip
Udo A,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect Tour with Brian. Nice entertaining, cool boat, well drive and spectacular sights! We are lucky to be your guests! Enjoy your hockey match in Auckland. We like to see your pictures you made from our tour! Good playlist 😊
Great experience and truly unforgettable.
Dreamer60224620013,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience and truly unforgettable. Brian was a fantastic guide — friendly and very informative. The tour covered multiple beautiful coves, and the speed of the boat added an exciting element. A must-do activity in Whitianga. Highly recommend!
Family day on the water
leisah2021,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great morning with family - a fun experience for all ages with the touch of thrills and music playing adding to the scenery and ability to access the caves and blow holes - recommend !
Aussie family gets its thrills!
415fang,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip, worth the money. Brian was a fabulous guide, very funny and knowledgeable. The thrills were awesome, the boat was comfortable, felt safe at all times even when hitting top speed 81kph on the way back! Highly recommend this experience.
Fantastic tour
chiarazQ2284DW,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Top experience, Brian very nice, good guide, nice, confortable and fast driver. We and our sons loved it. Nice music during the cruise. I suggest it!
Trip to remember!!
Vacation61333949511,Mar 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great way to finish our family holiday, lots of fun, information and thrills. Got to see some amazing spots along the coast line. Great music to haha
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