Half-Day Marlborough Sounds Cruise: Visit Ship Cove and Explore New Zealand's Coastline

Embark on a half-day cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand. Visit Ship Cove, admire the breathtaking scenery, and learn about the region’s marine life and cultural history.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 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
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Food
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Beachcomber Cruises keep cup ($6 available for purchase)
Additional Information

Embark on a morning boat excursion to Ship Cove, as you traverse the vast waterway network of Marlborough Sounds, accounting for one-fifth of New Zealand’s coastal line. At Ship Cove, you’ll have the opportunity to see Captain Cook’s memorial, Maori wooden sculptures, and a secluded beach. As you navigate through these stunning landscapes, listen to…

Location
1 London Quay
London Quay
Please meet us at the Beachcomber Cruises Office on the waterfront - the Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay, we are a black building with Blue Signage.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(118 Ratings)
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Dyllan_g
Jul 9, 2024
We had an awsome trip saw... - We had an awsome trip saw two types of dolphins, penguins and seals galore. The guide was helpful and full of knowledge great day.
Review provided by Viator
Jeff_b
Jun 13, 2024
Donna was so helpful and... - Donna was so helpful and friendly booking in, while Greg was an awesome guide. Ship Cove is now my favourite place on earth. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Amanda_b
Jun 1, 2024
Kid friendly and enjoyable tour - We enjoyed the cruise, lovely weather, great captain letting the kids steer the boat on the return trip. Liked all the extra stops along the way, dolphins turned up which was exciting for everyone. Wekas interaction at ship's cove. No complaints very enjoyable cruise.
Review provided by Viator
Coastal17683145500
Apr 27, 2024
Wonderful trip Outstanding service - Wonderful trip with great commentary. Outstanding scenery. Captain of the boat provided kind and Outstanding service with assisting my elderly mother....many thanks
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gina_c
Mar 20, 2024
Great way to see the Marlborough Sounds on a tight time scale - Great trip, just as advertised! Well organized and no complaints. Saw seals close by and opportunity to walk a section if wanted
Review provided by Viator
896tweetie
Mar 12, 2024
Wonderful Boat Tour, Great Company! - Excellent boat tour of the Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton. Beautiful day, calm water and gorgeous scenery. The narration by the captain was interesting. the 2 short stops to get ashore were nice. Overall a very enjoyable tour. A very relaxing way to see this area. The staff at Beachcomber was all very friendly, flexible and helpful. We've a tight schedule to make the last shuttle bus back to the cruise ship terminal. Becky at the Beachcomber office offered to ask the shuttle bus to come closer to the boat dock for us to get on in case the tour boat sometimes come back a little late. When we informed the captain of our tight schedule he made sure that we arrived back to the dock even a few minutes ahead of schedule time. Now that's great customer service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gillianashtonsmeaton
Feb 27, 2024
Cruise guest - Well worth doing, excellent value for money. The guide/captain was very informative. What a great trip to get walkers from place to place. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Mjh976
Apr 8, 2024
Beautiful half day trip - Loved the half day trip to Ship Cove. Very lucky with the beautiful weather. Saw a penguin but no dolphins due to the time of year. Could easily hear the commentary from the top deck but was harder to hear inside the boat. Would have loved to stay a little longer at Ship Cove.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aaron_y
Sep 5, 2024
Mediocre cruise with worse customer service. - Fairly mediocre and underwhelming cruise. The sound system was ‘broken’ on the boat. In reality, the sound system was working for the top half but not the bottom half of the boat so there seemed to be no commentary given at all, which was a promised part of the trip. So we just rode around the sound without any context or any idea of anything we were looking which just made it seemed like we were on a boat that was running errands dropping off bags and packages. A few of us asked about the issue after and the representative did not seem to care or make an effort to provide either something that could help provide commentary or any compensation on behalf of our diminished experience. An email sent after directly to give another chance to help fix this resulted in the same. Would not recommend traveling with this company and go with another company that cares a little more about the customer experience.
Review provided by Viator
Rachel_b
Mar 16, 2024
I had a decent time - It was okay. I had a decent time, it was just getting on a boat and sitting for 45 minutes then wondering around an island for about 20 then back in the boat. After the island we got back on the boat and made luggage stops. It was cool to see the different islands from the water but it wasn’t spectacular.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
November 2024
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