Coastal Adventures Harbour Cruise

Harbour, Albatross and Wildlife Cruise on Otago Harbour

★ 4.5 26 reviews

from $73.76 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Group: Small group, maximum 18 travellers
Meeting point: Back Beach, Port Chalmers
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: Dunedin Coastal Adventures

Overview

This hour and a half boat trip leaves from the Back Beach boat ramp at Port Chalmers and works its way out across Otago Harbour toward Taiaroa Head, where the Royal Albatross Centre sits on the headland. Along the way the boat passes Quarantine Island, Portobello and the shoreline of the Otago Peninsula before spending time near the headland. One traveller described albatross passing overhead in dozens, then settling on the water about 20 metres from the boat.

The trip is capped at 18 passengers. The boat can adjust course toward whatever wildlife is around, and several travellers credited the crew's local knowledge for finding lots of species. Commentary covers the harbour and its history, including a pointer to an old pub at Careys Bay for lunch afterwards.

It suits travellers who want a short wildlife outing on the water. The ride can be bumpy and wet when the boat heads toward open water, and you need to step down into the vessel, so it is best for reasonably mobile people dressed for the conditions. One reviewer, a cruise passenger, noted the crew kept the trip on time around their ship's departure.

Where this tour sits among 6 tours in Harbour Wildlife Cruises listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Monarch Cruise, Geology Commentary$39
Monarch One-Hour Cruise$42.56
Coastal Adventures Harbour Cruise (this tour)$73.76
Shore Excursion Cruise With Pickup$79.44
Port To Port Albatross Cruise$107.81
Albatross Cruise, 2 Hours$107.81

What's Included

Included

Toilets available at departure/drop off points
Group tour with a maximum of 18 passengers
Toilets on board (Restroom on board)

Not Included

Bottled water

Itinerary

Meet at Back BeachMeet at 39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, at the floating jetties beside the Back Beach boat ramp.
Back Beach departureDepart from Back Beach, passing the Otago Peninsula coastline, Portobello and Quarantine Island, also called Kamau Taurua, along the way. This stretch lasts 5 minutes.
Careys BayA 5 minute pass through Careys Bay, free of any admission charge. Reviewers mention the old pub here as a lunch spot after the cruise.
Taiaroa HeadAbout 20 minutes near Taiaroa Head, passing the Royal Albatross Centre. This is the wildlife highlight, where reviewers report albatross close to the water and overhead.
Return to Careys Bay HotelAbout 30 minutes around the Careys Bay Hotel before the trip ends. The activity finishes back at the original meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you arrive prepared for this trip.

$73.76from, per person

1 hour 30 minutesduration

4.5across 26 guest reviews

18guests at most

Dress warmly. Bring a warm jacket, and one reviewer advises taking more clothing than you think you need. Layers are the safer choice on the water.
Expect to get wet. One reviewer described getting soaked on a bumpy ride when the boat headed toward open sea. Another described it as a small boat ride on big ocean waves.
Bring your own drink. Bottled water is not included, so bring your own drink bottle.
Boarding the boat. Guests step down into the boat by roughly 20cm, and the trip is not wheelchair accessible, while infants must sit on laps. Most travellers can take part, but a reasonable level of mobility helps.
Small group feel. The maximum is 18 passengers, and reviewers say the small boat lets the crew get close to wildlife areas and stay flexible about where to go. One reviewer also described it as a bumpy ride on big ocean waves.
Toilets available. There are toilets at the departure and drop-off points and a restroom on board.

Ready To GoCheck availability →

Common issues. The trip depends on weather and on a minimum number of travellers, and if either is not met you will be offered a different date or a full refund, though one reviewer reported a late cancellation on that basis and trouble getting the refund processed. Another reviewer arrived to find the boat late and the passenger count above the stated maximum, with too few seats. One reviewer also found the pickup instructions confusing, since the stated pick-up point was Back Beach without a mention of Port Chalmers while the detailed directions pointed to a wharf elsewhere.

Common Questions

Where Does The Cruise Leave From?

It departs from 39 Peninsula Beach Road, Port Chalmers, at the floating jetties beside the Back Beach boat ramp. From the cruise terminal, turn right, cross at the pedestrian crossing, then turn left and walk back along the other side of the road past the stacked logs. The tour ends back at the same point.

What Is Included In The Price?

A group tour with a maximum of 18 passengers, plus toilets at the departure and drop-off points and a restroom on board. The pass-by stops on the itinerary carry no admission charge. Check the booking page for pickup if you need transport.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

No. Bottled water is not included; bring your own drink bottle. Reviewers mention an old pub at Careys Bay as a place to eat after the cruise.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Infants must sit on laps and most travellers can participate, so children can generally join. However, guests need to step down into the boat by approximately 20cm and the trip is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if it is cancelled for either reason you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

A warm jacket is essential, and reviewers recommend more layers than you expect to need. Bring your own drink bottle.