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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.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
professional and friendly crew
1,009 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Richard N,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Brilliant 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.
556bluef,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
What 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!!!!!!
kranr2026,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing 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!
skiersuk,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent 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.
594janeh594,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We 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


Inspire54899462947,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A 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! 😉



Kim W,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We 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.




Paganfamily,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Friendly, down-to-earth operators, made us feel very welcomed, snorkeling was a highlight and totally recommend doing this.
Lynn S,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our Skipper Mark was full of information, history and deep knowledge of the local waters. We enjoyed all we saw above and below the boat.
keithnV8123ML,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was an amazing two hours! The tour took us along the coast, pointing out the various beaches and rock formations, at several points, we stopped and admired all sorts of fish and underwater life through the glass bottom. There was a good half hour stop where we were able to go snorkelling from the boat, and swim with the fish, we even saw a mermaid😅(one of the crew swimming under the boat!!) . A brilliant once in a lifetime experience, well worth it👌👌

Operated by Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga