Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Our unique tour is the only one to show you the marine life without getting wet. The glass panels provide a clear window to spotting marine life. Our crew are passionate about the ocean, conservation and our marine reserve.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Join us for a 2hr eco tour to explore above and below the surface in the marine reserve and along our stunning volcanic coastline. View spectacular scenery including Cathedral Cove, sea caves, towering pinnacles and blowholes. Sit back and watch and abundance of marine life through the glass panels with the option to take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish. Equipment supplied. Learn all about the marine life and geology within the marine reserve. Our professional and friendly crew have extensive knowledge of the area and provide a fun and factual commentary on our Maori and European history. Let the passionate crew teach you about our amazing marine reserve, our ocean and sustainability. Our mammal watch permit allows us to sustainably interact with any dolphins, whales, orca and seals we see while on tour. Our tour exclusively offers the chance to see above and below the surface and is dedicated to offering the best experience on the water. With excellent ratings and service awards, bookings are essential. Tours depart daily from the Whitianga Wharf.
What‘s Included
professional and friendly crew
Options
2hr scenic & marine viewing
Reviews
1,011 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great staff and boat
Lee S,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The water was a bit choppy when we went out so I’d recommend sea sickness pill if that bothers you. JD and Jade were both friendly and helpful. We had some late arrivals in our group which resulted in a late start, but the crew dealt with it as best as they could. The coastline was very pretty and the boat was in nice shape with a large glass viewing deck. The large snapper were very impressive! I would recommend! However, I would also encourage fellow travelers to be on time as it’s inconsiderate to ask others to wait on you when you’re 35 minutes late. We ended up having to arrive back to Auckland after dark which we were trying to avoid. It would also be nice if they had merchandise available for purchase on board.
Great honest company
Ceilings,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a good honest company, on Saturday we took the 9am boat out to cathedral cove, the captain explained that he would try and give us a good experience, however the weather may make it challenging to do everything planned! Well we went straight to cathedral cove, it was a little choppy and very difficult to keep boat steady for anything more than a few photographs. Opened the glass floor up and red snappers suddenly appeared (impressive) Next captain asked if we were up for some choppy seas, but at the end we would be able to go into a cave? Yes, everyone was ready for the adventure, it was choppy, however we did get there and the cave was spectacular + many colorful fish. We journeyed back, trying to see a few other sites, not always possible because of waves, still spectacular visuals. On returning to the dock we were informed that we would be receiving a partial refund, as we did not get to do everything advertised! Very impressed with gesture, we had an exciting/interesting boat trip and they could have easily said weather is out of there control, but they didn't! Highly recommend this company and trip.
Fabulous Couple of Hours
Richard N,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant trip with Dylan & Eliza out to Cathedral Cove. Very laid back and friendly style, they both know their stuff and are able to adapt the tour according to the conditions. As well as the Cover, we saw blowholes, caves and other inlets,having explanations about everything we were seeing. And of course the glass bottom gets exposed to allow a mass of marine life, again well explained by Dylan as to what we were seeing.
Epic
556bluef,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an epic way to top off a family weekend. Friendly captain, great Boat, heaps of fish and the dolphins just made it something we will remember for life. Awesome!!!!!!
Making Memories with Family
kranr2026,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing Experience at Cathedral Cove My sister and I did the Glass Bottom Boat tour from Whitianga to Cathedral Cove on 22 March (2pm), and it was absolutely fantastic. A big shoutout to JD and Kenzie, who were friendly, knowledgeable, and kept us entertained the whole time. The views were stunning both above and below the water, and spotting marine life through the glass bottom felt a bit like watching a live nature documentary… except we couldn’t pause it for snacks. Exploring the sea cave was incredible, and the snorkeling was such a fun bonus. Blowing bubbles under the boat was a hoot . Let’s just say the fish got a closer look at us than they probably wanted! Such a special experience to share with my sister, plenty of laughs and “did you see that?!” moments. Highly recommend!
Excellent tour, Katie you are amazing
skiersuk,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour , thank you Katie, Very good information . Katie drove the boat with expertise, slowing down when neeed, felt safe even through I don’t like boats. I would say try and go on a calm day, it improves visibility from the glass bottom but also it is a speed boat! I didn’t expect it to be a rough ride which it was.
Fun activity to do in the Coromandel Peninsula
594janeh594,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience on the glass-bottom boat tour. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and the tour guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and made the whole trip even more enjoyable
Great day with the kids in a pristine environment
Inspire54899462947,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A really awesome experience. The kids loved the ability to see underneath as they cant snorkle yet. The water is pristine wnd views sublime Jorja and liv did our tour and couldn't have asked for a better two guides. Good luck with the yearly competition! 😉
Can’t Beat a Glass Bottom Boat!
Kim W,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day on the water! Picture perfect weather. Our captain/guide Brian, was personable, well-informed, and made everyone aboard feel welcome and safe. We saw a shark, dolphins, and many fish, along the strikingly beautiful scenery of the Coromandel coast.
Awesome!
Paganfamily,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly, down-to-earth operators, made us feel very welcomed, snorkeling was a highlight and totally recommend doing this.
From NZ$150.00
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