We always love calm seas and sunny skies, but don’t be put off by what you see on the forecast just yet! A southwest wind is ideal for our route – even if it feels blustery in town, conditions at sea can still be great.

If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is give us a call. Generic weather forecasts (like those on TV or the radio) often don’t reflect the localised conditions in Mercury Bay. We’ve had some of our most spectacular cruises on days that looked questionable on paper!

So, before you change your plans, check in with us first – we’ll always give you the most accurate advice.

It’s fantastic! Our vessel is an 8.5 metre Rayglass Protector, the same type used as tender boats for the America’s Cup and designed for the Coastguard – so you know you’re in safe hands.

Built for performance and reliability in all conditions, this boat is fast, stable, and purpose-built for exploring the Coromandel coastline. Its large, inflated pontoons act like a life jacket for the boat, offering one of the highest safety standards in marine design.

Whether it’s calm or a bit choppy, you’ll feel confident and comfortable throughout the journey.

While we can’t guarantee you won’t feel a little motion, most of our guests find the ride to be very smooth and stable. Our boat is designed for maximum stability, and we regularly receive positive feedback from passengers who are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is – even those prone to seasickness.

There’s usually so much to see and enjoy, you’ll be too distracted by the scenery and marine life to even think about it!

If you or someone in your group is prone to seasickness, just let the skipper know before departure – we’re happy to offer tips and keep an extra eye out to ensure everyone has a great time.

Along the Coromandel coastline and surrounding islands, there are several incredible sea caves,  including the Orua Seacave, 3rd biggest in the southern hemisphere, 2nd largest in New Zealand  that we take you right inside when conditions allow. 

These cave tours let you experience the dramatic rock formations, vibrant marine life, and the natural beauty of the coast up close in a way few others get to see.

Safety is always our top priority, and our experienced skipper will only enter Orua cave when it’s completely safe to do so – but when we can, it’s an unforgettable part of the journey!

We strongly recommend using the public bathrooms at the Whitianga Wharf before boarding.

Absolutely! You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the snorkelling experience. We provide life jackets/noodles for extra buoyancy, and if needed, we can also attach a safety line, so you feel completely secure in the water.

During the summer months, our friendly crew are often in the water with guests and are happy to guide you through using the snorkel and mask, helping you feel relaxed and confident.

Snorkelling in the marine reserve is a real highlight of the tour, and we encourage everyone to give it a go – you’ll be amazed by what you can see just below the surface!

Our number one priority is safety, and the decision to sail is always at the discretion of our experienced skipper. If conditions are too rough, we won’t go – but if it’s safe to operate, we often find that trips in lively seas can be the most exciting and visually stunning, especially for photographers!

That said, sea conditions can change quickly. It's not uncommon to leave the Whitianga Wharf in calm conditions, only to encounter larger swells beyond Hahei. If sea conditions limit parts of the tour, we’ll always do our best to provide an amazing experience, and we may offer a discounted return trip where appropriate.

When in doubt, feel free to call us – we're happy to chat about the day’s forecast and what to expect.

Yes – definitely! Our cruises are designed to offer incredible photo opportunities, and many guests bring professional camera gear to capture the stunning scenery, wildlife, and coastal features.

Your equipment is generally safe and dry onboard, and we take great care to minimise any spray or exposure to the elements. However, as we are out at sea, we do recommend using a dry bag or protective case just in case conditions change.

Our crew will always do their best to ensure you and your gear are well looked after – so bring your camera and get ready for some unforgettable shots!