Water activity

Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton

4.3  / 5154 reviews
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Water activity
Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton
4.3  / 5154 reviews

Take in the sights of Queen Charlotte Sound and visit Ship Cove on a morning boat tour from Picton. Learn about local history and natural landmarks while looking for marine life like little penguins.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

L
Lucy – United Kingdom

A brilliant way to see some of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and learn about the history and ecology of the area and the ongoing conservation efforts. Jason, skipper and guide, clearly loves his job and is extremely good at it. hugely informative, interesting, funny and friendly. He really made the trip. We had good weather and sat on the blowy top deck for most of the trip, so saw everything. Highly recommend this trip!!

L
Lucy – United Kingdom
S
Sharon

Beach Comber Cruises. Julian was our skipper, what he doesn't know regarding this cruse is really not worth knowing. He made the trip lots of fun right from the start, and we felt like we have known him forever. This cruise is very well thought out, and informative. A MUST DO IN PICTON.

S
Sharon

Experience

Highlights

  • Set sail on a 3.5-hour cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Ship Cove
  • Step ashore at Ship Cove to explore a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook's
  • Learn the history of the region and its residents

Full description

Navigate the magnficent waterways of Marlborough Sounds on a morning boat tour, departing from the Picton waterfront. Cruise up through the Queen Charlotte Sound to historical Ship Cove. Enjoy listen to live commentary on regional historical and natural landmarks. Keep a lookout for marine life such as little blue penguins and Hector’s dolphins — considered the rarest marine dolphin in the world. After about an hour’s journey, your boat drops anchor at Ship Cove. Step ashore and discover the inlet named by Captain James Cook on 15 January 1770. The Endeavour was anchored here to replenish supplies and the spot became a favourite anchorage of Captain Cook. Dabble in the creek where Captain Cook made home brew for his crew and share the beach with the resident wildlife. Have your photo taken beside the Captain Cook Monument commemorating his visits to this area. Or, just relax and enjoy the tranquil surrounds.

Includes

  • Scenic cruise
  • Live commentary
  • Visit to Ship Cove
  • Keep cup ($6)

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users
  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Please meet at the Beachcomber Cruises Office. Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Cash
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Food and drinks
  • Comfortable shoes

Know before you go

  • With a keep cup, you can fill it up with tea and coffee on board selected departures.
  • The boat used for the tour varies depending on the number of passengers. This can differ between a 9 seater single hulled boat or a 90 seater double storied catamaran.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 154 reviews

Review summary

  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.1/5

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L
Lucy – United KingdomFebruary 24, 2024  – Verified booking
A brilliant way to see some of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and learn about the history and ecology of the area and the ongoing conservation efforts. Jason, skipper and guide, clearly loves his job and is extremely good at it. hugely informative, interesting, funny and friendly. He really made the trip. We had good weather and sat on the blowy top deck for most of the trip, so saw everything. Highly recommend this trip!!
Helpful?
S
Sharon June 14, 2019  – Verified booking
Beach Comber Cruises. Julian was our skipper, what he doesn't know regarding this cruse is really not worth knowing. He made the trip lots of fun right from the start, and we felt like we have known him forever. This cruise is very well thought out, and informative. A MUST DO IN PICTON.
Helpful?
G
GetYourGuide traveler – New ZealandJuly 12, 2024  – Verified booking
Cruising Queen Charlotte Sound was divine. The scenery was exquisite and the geography and history were really brought to life by our knowledgeable skipper. We went on a bright winter day which was glorious. It would also be wonderful in summer. Highly recommend.
Helpful?

Product ID: 179885

Activity provider:Beachcomber Cruises

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