Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Whitianga, New Zealand

High interest

Booked 4 times today.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

5.0

· Jacey_M ·

Jan 2026

A great couple of hours on the water! We enjoyed seeing fish up close, touring around Cathedral Cove and other nearby sports, swimming/snorkelling off the boat, and learning about local history. The staff (Caitie and Aliza) were awesome, includng when 2 of us got a bit seasick. Highly recommend the trip!

· BogdanNZ ·

Jan 2026

Great fun experience in the first day of the new year. Skipper Brian and deckie Jarja were awesome, they know a lot of great historical and geological facts about the area. Our little one loved seeing the fish through the glass bottom of the boat and she got to feed them too! Cathedral Cove family photo is a must do from the water! Thanks guys and Happy New Year!

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Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity

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Overview

While many travelers come to Cathedral Cove to relax on the beach, this is a marine reserve so there’s so much to see beneath the surface of the ocean. Take a look on a glass bottomed boat ride, and jump in with a snorkel if you want to get up close to the fish. Learn all about the history of this important area while relaxing and enjoying the views of the rock formations and pinnacles.

Snorkeling equipment is provided
Mammal watch permit allows interaction with dolphins, whales, orca and seals
Enjoy close-up views of the cliffs and blowholes of Cathedral Cove
Suitable for various travelers as you can be as active or relaxed as you like

What's Included

professional and friendly crew

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Whitianga Wharf
The Esplanade, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand
Please meet at the Whitianga Wharf 15 mins before your tour departure time. The Whitianga Wharf is located directly across the road from 13 Esplanade.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Cathedral Cove Walk

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Jacey_M

Reviews

5.0

based on 1,009 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great outing!

Lynn_S, Feb 2026

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.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, Thanks for the great feedback, we are glad to hear you enjoyed the tour, will be sure to pass it on to Mark! Cheers, Jorja.

A Great Day On The Sea!

David_G, Feb 2026

Friendly, informative and a great water cruise. The glass bottom added another dimension to our adventure. We enjoyed our cruise very much.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hi there, Thanks for the 5-star review. We are so glad you enjoyed the tour! Thanks, Jorja.

Family fun

Sean_Q, Feb 2026

We have a wonderful time aboard with Eliza and Katie. Very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon seeing some incredible sights.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hi there, Thanks for the review, we will pass on the great feedback! Thanks, Jorja.

Glass bottom boat tour

Mackenzie_T, Feb 2026

Tour was great! Super fun, went to Cathedral Cove and plenty other stops! Brian and Jackson were great and took very good care of us all!

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hello, Thanks for leaving a lovely review. We will pass on the message to Brian and Jackson! Thanks, Jorja.

Good local experience.

Marlys_U, Feb 2026

Good sights, fun little snorkel and some good information. Great as a first experience, but less so for my sister as her second.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Kia ora, Thank you for your review! We are so glad to hear you had a nice time out with us!

Pleasant trip

Lynn_M, Feb 2026

It was a very enjoyable trip but disappointed that we really didn’t see many species of fish. Mostly snapper with the odd other fish popping up occasionally

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Thank you for your feedback, we’re really glad you enjoyed the trip overall. Ocean conditions and marine life can vary day to day, and while snapper are one of our most commonly seen species, the diversity does depend on nature doing its thing. Even though we can’t control what shows up on the day, we always aim to provide an informative and enjoyable experience out on the water. Kind regards, Kenzie

It really an amazing...

Christine_V, Jan 2026

It really an amazing journey! Dylan and Jackson are very nice guides. Lydie, Patrice & Christine from Normandy (France)

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi guys, Thank you so much for your review! We are so glad to hear you had a nice time out with us. I will make sure to pass this on to Dylan and Jackson. Kind regards, Kenzie

Lovely cruise in beautiful surroundings

Elizabeth_M, Jan 2026

Was a lovely way to see Cathedral cove although you should also try to walk it as the boats aren't allowed to land. Saw lots of large snapper and others from the class bottom. Loved the swim and snorkeling from the boat in a gorgeous cove. The crew were fab too.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Morenā, I'm glad you enjoyed your time with us, and we able to see some highlights. Will pass on the kind words about the crew!

Cool and unique experience!

Heui_K, Jan 2026

Such a cool and unique experience! We took an Uber from Auckland to Whitianga for the glass-bottom boat tour. Although we originally planned to see Cathedral Cove, the experience turned out to be so much more than that. Olivia and Georgia were incredibly professional, well prepared, and truly attentive to making sure everyone had a great time. We loved watching all kinds of fish through the glass bottom, snorkeling for 20 mins, and of course took in the stunning coastal scenery—including Cathedral Cove itself. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting the Auckland area!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi there, Thanks so much for your kind review! We are so glad to hear you had an awesome experience out with Liv and Jorja. Kind regards, Kenzie

Great day, friendly and...

Di_B, Jan 2026

Great day, friendly and knowledgeable crew. We were a full boat which was a little crowded but we made it work. Lots of different places to visit too.

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hiya, thanks for the awesome review! glad you enjoyed the trip ! Kind reagards, Alison.

The crew Mark and Alisa...

Margaret_C, Jan 2026

The crew Mark and Alisa were great. They gave a lot of info about the coves, water, fish and area. The boat was clean and comfortable

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi there, Thanks so much for your review, we really appreciate your support! We are so glad to hear you had a nice time out with Mark and Aliza. Kind regards, Kenzie

A great couple of hours on the water

Jacey_M, Jan 2026

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi there, Thanks so much for your lovely review! Sounds like you had an epic time out with Caitie and Aliza, I will make sure to pass this message onto them. Kind regards, Kenzie

Great fun!

Linda_R, Jan 2026

We had a great time, the crew were excellent. The weather was quite choppy but exhilarating and fun!

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hi Linda, Thank you for your review we really appreciate your support and glad to hear you had a great time despite the weather! Kind regards, Kenzie

Great fun experience in...

BogdanNZ, Jan 2026

Response from Host, Jan 2026

Hiya, Sounds like an amazing trip! So pleased your little one enjoyed it too, glad you were also able to get a new family photo!! Thanks for this awesome review, i will be sure to pass this lovely message onto Jorja and Brian.

Great trip

Julie_D, Dec 2025

Fabulous few hours making memories with family.JD & Liv made our experience exceptional. The glass bottom experience was wonderful.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Hello, Thanks for the lovely review, we will be sure to pass on the kind words to JD and Liv! Thanks, Jorja.

Brilliant trip would highly recommend, to families, to get a chance to swim in the ocean with an experience diver.

Anita_D, Dec 2025

Fantastic, Olivia and Dylan were great hosts, and very knowledgeable about the history and wildlife in and around the ocean

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Hi Anita, Thanks so much for your review we really appreciate it! We are so glad to hear you had an awesome time out with Dylan and Liv, we will make sure to pass the message onto them!. Kind regards, Kenzie

Great Experience

kratzerm, Nov 2025

Great experience. The cove is so beautiful and everything else around it. Our crew mates were so friendly and shared plenty of information.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Hello, Thanks for leaving us a lovely review, we are glad to hear you enjoyed seeing our beautiful coastline. Thanks, Jorja.

Sunny and fun

Leanne_B, Nov 2025

Make sure you have sunscreen, swimwear and goggles ! Great scenery and informative local knowledge of history of the area

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Hello, Thanks for joining us on a tour and leaving a lovely review! Jorja.

The glass floor was so...

Hayley_A, Nov 2025

The glass floor was so clear, it was easy to see the fish below! Seeing the cathedral cove by boat was so relaxing. We also loved the big cave

Response from Host, Nov 2025

Hello, We are glad to hear you enjoyed your trip with us. Seeing the fish through the glass and Orua sea cave are certainly highlights! Thanks for leaving us a lovely review, Jorja.

Unique experience

jennifer_f, Oct 2025

Very informative, beautiful landscapes and a unique experience with the glass bottom allowing you to see the ocean floor and fish

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hi Jennifer, We're so glad to hear you had an awesome time yesterday! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review we really appreciate it. Thanks, Mackenzie

It was a nice one time...

Ratheesh_G, Oct 2025

It was a nice one time life experience with the family or with friends. Kids will enjoy it more. Guide Bryan was amazing during the trip.

Response from Host, Oct 2025

Hello, Thanks so much for your lovely review, we are so glad you enjoyed your trip with us. We will pass the message on to Brian! Thanks, Jorja.

Absolutely amazing, what...

Leah_v, Sep 2025

Absolutely amazing, what an experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone else as a must do when in the area

Response from Host, Sep 2025

Hello, Thanks so much for leaving a lovely review, we are glad to hear you enjoyed your trip! Thanks, Jorja.

Not worth the money

Chris_S, Jul 2025

The guide, Georgia was lovely and very knowledgeable. The boat was roomy enough. Unfortunately all you get to see fish wise are snapper and blue moi moi. The coastline, cliffs and caves were interesting, but on a glass bottom boat tour, you are there for the fish and they were seriously lacking.

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Hi Chris, Thank you for your review. Im sorry to hear that you didn't see the amount of fish you were hoping. We do see a great variety on our tours, however at the time you booked we had some average weather which left behind swell and not the best water clarity, which can limit the viewing areas. Unfortunately these days can happen when you are viewing wildlife and we just work harder to make the tour the best it can be with what is on offer. If you come back here please reach out to us so we can redeem that part of the tour for you. Like the rest of our reviews, you wont be disappointed!

We will definitely te back (in a low, foreign voice) 😂

JacquesBurnie_B, May 2025

An absolute amazing experience with a very talented and knowledgeable Captain, Michael. We would love to bring our kids from South Africa to experience the Glass Bottom Boat. We will be back in August to bring my Sister from China, for a visit. This was worth every $.

Response from Host, May 2025

Hello, Thank you for your 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you had an amazing time with Michael. We look forward to seeing you in August! Thanks, Jorja.

We had a great tour. It...

Robert_D, Apr 2025

We had a great tour. It was very informative and professional. The boat was very comfortable, and the crew looked after us very well.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

Good morning, Thank you for the wonderful review! We are glad you enjoyed the tour with us and hope to see you again. Kind regards, Caitie

Spectacular scenery!...

Karen_D, Mar 2025

Spectacular scenery! Beautiful weather on our trip! Amazing, friendly crew! Lots of photo opportunities and a chance to swim and snorkel before returning to the wharf!! If you are on the Purangi Road side you’ll have to take a quick ferry ride over to Whitianga Wharf!!

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi Karen, Thank you so much for the 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you had such an amazing time. Kind Regards, Xanthe

Great day out.

Arlene_B, Mar 2025

The wealth of knowledge of the crew makes the trip very interesting. Would definitely recommend this trip to all visitors to the area.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi There, Thanks so much for the 5 star review. We are so glad to hear you had an awesome time out with us !! Kind Regards, Xanthe

Do it!!

Coral_R, Mar 2025

Rhi and Brian were fantastic boat operators, and the tour was incredible! Highly recommend. During the warmer months, wear a bathing suit for the snorkeling at the end of the tour. We were lucky- the day we went the water was crystal clear with tons of fish and we even saw a sleeping seal!

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi Coral, Im so glad you enjoyed your trip with the Glass bottom boat. Thank you for joining us. Rhiannon

Excellent experience

Vicki_O, Mar 2025

It was amazing! Stunning views and knowledgeable guides. Not overcrowded, so everyone had great views. Michael and Amber were great

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Hi Vicki, thank you for joining us on the glass bottom boat. We are so pleased you enjoyed your trip. Kindly, Rhiannon

This was a great tour. ...

Connor_F, Mar 2025

This was a great tour. We had knowledgeable guides, a wonderful tour throughout the reserve and the snorkeling was fun at the end. I would recommend this trip.