Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Depart Picton at 9:00am and cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historic Ship Cove. Along the way enjoy the sights and scenery and keep your eye out for any chance wildlife encounters.
Enjoy a site visit at Ship Cove, take the chance to get onshore where Captain Cook laned in the 1770’s where his ship the Endeavour was anchored to replenish supplies. See the monument, comb the beach and enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings.
Upon re-joining your vessel we will cruise through the Endeavour Inlet completing drop offs and deliveries of passengers and freight before returning to Picton.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board
Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended
Not accessible for motorized wheelchairs
We are not able to pick up / drop off at the Cruise Ship Terminal - you must make your way to our booking office
Please note that this tour departs sharply on schedule at 9:00am
This tour has a minimum number requirement and may be cancelled if we do not reach this capacity
The boat used for the tour can vary from a smaller 9 seater to a 99 seater catamaran and is not guaranteed
Not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues or confinements
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Queen Charlotte Sound
Cruise through the tranquil waterways of the Queen Charlotte Sound, see wildlife and native flora and fauna along the way
What‘s Included
Commentary on board
Restroom on board
Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Beachcomber Cruises keep cup ($6 available for purchase)
Options
Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton
Reviews
154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Captain Cook Monument and more
Rudolf W,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super relaxful water tour of the Sound. You will view lush green lush foilage, and wild life on shore. We were fortunate to see many dolphins toying with our vessel and actually racing us from one drop off dock to another. Greg, our skipper, shared his vast knowledge of the surroundings and water life. Thank you! Greg and Happy Birthday again. You made this tour a wonderful interesting excursion.
Dolphins in the Sounds
robertmL6126QJ,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day out, with great service from the team and Boat Captain Greg. The Dolphins were an awesome bonus. Thanks so much we will be back.
Not worth the money and time
Weltenbummler0885,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The Tour was about 3,5h but I would not call it tour as there was no commentary at all. The Skipper Dylan introduced himself at the beginning and informed us where the life vests are located and the next time he spoke to us was at Ships Cove but just because he had to tell us when we are supposed to be back on the Ship. That was all. He never spoke to us on the tour about the Bays, wildlife or gave any information where we are right now. We were about 12 people on board who booked the half day cruise and we all thought we get some information about the bays and coves we are stopping etc. So after the Ship Cove Stop it was a really boring remaining 2hours and if we wanted to know where we are we had to use Google Maps. So this was a total waste of money and time. A shame that they charge you 120$ and then nobody talks to you or give insights. I even stopped at the box office after the tour and asked if the tour was supposed to be without commentary, but the answer was only: It should have been with and please just write a bad review. Well here it is. Only 2 stars - 1 for the nice scenery and 1 for making it safely back to Picton in time.
Sunny, chilly day for a chill boat tour
Janet M,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Lovely ride around the sound and a quick trip to Cook monument. We took this ride early March. It was a beautiful, sunny day but quite chilly on the water especially up top on the open deck.
Sounds Magic Tour
O6841GPelisabethf,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise with Beachcomber Cruises. Daryl was informative and entertaining. It is a great way to see the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. We would highly recommend it. Great value for money and just the right length of time to see the sights.
A trip not to be missed
fordiie,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a 3 hour absolute pleasure trip, our captain Ian kept us informed as to where we were stopping to drop off luggage and passengers in various coves. The stop at Ships Cove for a walk around was very interesting and it was a very enjoyable morning cruise.
Great morning but poor weather. No ones fault
O8309XEdianev,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great skipper.really good commentary
Nil
John P,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Take some warm clothes as it may be chilly on the water. Daryl, the driver, was very entertaining and knowledgeable.
Half day cruise from Picton
DeniseIHamiltonNZ,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Sadly there was heavy rain for the whole trip which means visibility was poor but our skipper provided all info to make it interesting. Got off at Ships Cove and walked a TINY bit of Queen Charlotte but was VERY slippery. Would recommend trip to others.
Picturesque Picton.
Kathy B,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00A little long. Captain was informative. Left a tip for him. Rating was based on lack of variety of cruise NOT the captain.
From NZ$120.00
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Operated by Beachcomber Cruises