How long is the glass bottom boat tour in Whitianga?

The glass bottom boat tour in Whitianga lasts approximately two hours and departs from Whitianga Wharf four times daily.

What can you see on a glass bottom boat tour in Whitianga?

Passengers can view reefs, snapper and other marine life through the glass viewing panels while exploring Cathedral Cove, Gemstone Bay and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

Is there a glass bottom boat in Whitianga?

Yes, Whitianga has a dedicated glass bottom boat tour departing from Whitianga Wharf that explores Cathedral Cove and the surrounding marine reserve.

Updated: 28 th February 2026

Glass Bottom Boat Tours in Whitianga

Experience the only glass bottom boat tour in Whitianga, exploring Cathedral Cove and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve from Whitianga Wharf.

Cruise across Mercury Bay while viewing reefs, fish and underwater marine life through specially designed viewing panels — all without getting wet.

Perfect for families and non-swimmers, this scenic coastal cruise combines marine discovery, dramatic rock formations and expert local commentary for one of the most unique boat tours in the Coromandel.

Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Experience

Departing from Whitianga Wharf, this glass bottom boat cruise travels along the Mercury Bay coastline, visiting Cathedral Cove, sea caves and coastal rock formations. The clear viewing panels allow you to observe fish and reefs beneath the surface while your skipper provides engaging commentary about the region’s marine environment and history.

Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour from Whitianga

Join the only glass bottom boat tour in Whitianga for a unique eco-cruise to Cathedral Cove and the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Departing daily from Whitianga Wharf, this scenic coastal tour explores volcanic rock formations, sea caves and protected marine habitats along the Mercury Bay coastline.

View reefs and marine life through the specially designed glass viewing panels, or snorkel in the clear waters of Gemstone Bay with complimentary equipment provided. Large schools of snapper and other native fish are frequently seen within the marine reserve.

Designed for families, non-swimmers and wildlife enthusiasts, this glass bottom boat experience combines expert local commentary with a safe and stable vessel built specifically for underwater viewing.

Operated by an experienced and environmentally conscious team, the tour delivers an informative and memorable way to explore Cathedral Cove from the water.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Whitianga

Price: $145 Adult | $85 Child
Family: $410 (2 Adults + 2 Children)
Duration: 2 hours
Departure Times: 8:00am, 10:30am, 1:00pm & 4:00pm
Departure Point: Whitianga Wharf
Check-in: 15 minutes prior

Cathedral Cove & Marine Reserve Glass Bottom Cruise

Cruise to Cathedral Cove and along the spectacular volcanic coastline of Mercury Bay on a two-hour glass bottom boat tour from Whitianga Wharf. Explore towering cliffs, sea caves including the Orua Sea Cave, blowholes and dramatic rock formations that define the Coromandel coastline.

Through the specially designed glass viewing panels, observe marine life within the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Common sightings include snapper, moki, leatherjackets, demoiselles and blue maomao.

Guests may also spot stingrays, crayfish and octopus among the kelp forests, while seabirds, little blue penguins, dolphins and seals are occasionally seen on the surface.

Snorkelling equipment is provided for those wishing to experience the clear waters of Gemstone Bay up close.

Informative & Family-Friendly Experience

Your experienced crew share insights into the region’s volcanic geology, marine ecosystem and local history — including early Māori settlement and Captain Cook’s arrival in Mercury Bay.

With small group numbers onboard, this personalised cruise offers a comfortable and stable ride, protected from the elements while delivering panoramic coastal views above the surface and a fascinating underwater perspective below.