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WhitiangaSnorkeling

Our most recommended Whitianga Snorkeling

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise

1. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove 2 Hour Boat Cruise

Based in Whitianga, this scenic boat cruise showcases Mercury Bay’s stunning coastal paradise at its very best. Embark on a 2-hour journey across the rugged volcanic shores of the bay and explore its beautiful beaches including Hahei and Lonely Bay. The highlight of the tour is the world-famous Cathedral Cove at Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve. The site has a rich Maori heritage, attracts around 150,000 visitors per year, and was used as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Narnia. Sit back and relax as you sail around the bay, and marvel at its stunning natural landscapes that stretch across the peninsula. Along the way, listen to your guide share entertaining live commentary about the bay and the wildlife that lives here. Make sure to keep an eye on the water too, as there's always a chance to see dolphins, whales and orcas in their natural habitat.

Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

2. Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

Embark on a sailing trip from Flaxmill Bay, a small cove nestled between Cooks Beach and Whitianga to see the iconic sights of Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove. Lend a hand with the sailing or simply sit back and relax on comfy beanbags and admire the picturesque scenery.  Board our large, modern catamaran, and after a short introductory session to the boat's main facilities and safety systems, set sail out to the calm waters of the bay.  As you sail, spot the area's most notable sights with the help of your guide. Keep your cameras ready as you sail past Cathedral Cove. You will enjoy some snacks and drinks during the journey.  Once the boat sets anchor, if conditions are good, choose to swim or snorkel in the marine reserve with the wonderful sea life, or simply chill out on board and soak up the scenery.  The tour concludes back at the starting point in Flaxmill Bay. 

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

3. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

Discover the scenic Cathedral Cove and smaller caves on this boat trip from Whitianga. Experience the thrill of small, hard-to-get-to caves and discover magnificent offshore views. See New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave, and get up close to aquatic life in the marine reserve. Leaving Whitianga Wharf, stop to view Shakespeare's Cliff, and pass the stunning Lonely before exploring inside Cooks Beach Blowhole and gazing out through the top. Be amazed at the panoramic scenery at Cathedral Cove. Head south, getting close along the coastline in and out of bays, caves, and blowholes. Take in the mesmerizing volcanic landscape of towering pinnacles and rock sculptures. Marvel at the size of New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave "Orua" before visiting offshore islands with more caves. Have the option to snorkel and witness sea life in the marine reserve before heading back to Whitianga.

From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

4. From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

Relax & enjoy Shakespeare’s Cliff, Lonely Bay & Cathedral Cove on an open boat with unrestricted stunning views. Experience the thrill of going inside Cooks Blowhole, Whale Cave and our very own “Hole in the Rock”. Regularly going to the places seen in online videos & pictures, venture inside caves others cannot take you! View fish in the Marine Reserve. Learn the history of the area and be amazed by the volcanic formations throughout the Bay. You won’t be disappointed with Coromandel’s fantastic coastline as we go down to the Orua Sea Cave where you will be taken inside the cave and hear the amazing acoustics as we play music.

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Highlights Boat Tour

5. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Highlights Boat Tour

Explore 12 kilometers of rugged volcanic coastline from the water on a fascinating boat trip departing from Whitianga. Relax as you discover the best of Cathedral Cove, look out for local marine life, and gaze at nearby islands and beautiful beaches. Board your boat in Whitianga and immerse yourself in its surrounding coastal scenery. Listen to insightful live commentary as you come across iconic locations such as the breathtaking Cathedral Cove, Lonely Bay, Cooks Beach, and Hahei. Pass by towering rock pinnacles and enter giant blowholes and sea caves. Spot marine life in the early morning, with calm sea conditions and low sparkling sunlight that beams across the Mercury Bay coast.

Whitianga: Jet Boat Ride to Cathedral Cove

6. Whitianga: Jet Boat Ride to Cathedral Cove

Speed through the water at up to 80 kilometers an hour. Enjoy scenic views as you head to Cathedral Cove in a thrilling way. Board your jet boat and get ready for the fastest way to see Cathedral Cave. Hold on tight on your high-speed journey and experience drifting, power slides and white knuckle spins. Combine the rush of adrenaline with spectacular views of the volcanic coastline. Zoom over turquoise waters, past desert islands, and white sand beaches. Speed by towering cliffs and giant pohutukawa trees before sliding in towards Cathedral Cove to admire this natural wonder.

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Frequently asked questions about Whitianga Snorkeling

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Other Sightseeing Options in Whitianga

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What people are saying about Whitianga

Was absolutely incredible! Cannot recommend this enough! One of the best experiences of my life!!! Way better than all the other boats that go out. (Bonus that they go out a lot futher too, so you get to see way more!) I was screaming like a little girl when we first went out but it was so thrilling after my husband told me to open my eyes haha! Then I didnt want it to stop!! Captain was amazing, full of knowledge. We will 100% do this again when we go back to Coromandal! Thank you for a fantastic experience!

Our teenagers loved the thrill of the boat ride and we really enjoyed seeing all the caves around the bay. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the trip fun.

Exceeded expectations 1000%! Awesome skipper so informative , great interaction, incredible experience . Cannot recommend highly enough .. for the thrill seekers .

This was an amazing trip. Everything was excellent and the staff went above and beyond! Could not have had a better time. Highly recommend!!

Great day out the crew were excellent we all enjoyed our trip well recommend