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From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Ship Cove Stop

Ship Cove Stop, 3 Hours

From Picton: Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Ship Cove Stop

★ 4.3 296 reviews

from $82 per person

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Duration
3 hours
Meeting point
London Quay
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Run by
Beachcomber Cruises

Overview

The boat leaves Picton's London Quay at 9:00am and spends three hours working through Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove and back. This is a working run as well as a cruise: after the Ship Cove stop the vessel threads through Endeavour Inlet, dropping off passengers and freight at points along the way.

The highlight for most travellers is the shore stop at Ship Cove, where Captain Cook anchored the Endeavour in the 1770s to take on supplies. There is a monument to view, a beach to wander, and the setting is described as tranquil. Time ashore is limited, so treat it as a visit rather than a hike.

Live commentary runs on the way out and back, covering the history of the sound and its residents, and wildlife encounters may be possible on the water, though sightings are never guaranteed. The trip suits anyone happy to be on the water for a morning at a relaxed pace. It is run in English, and the vessel itself can range from a small single-hulled boat to a large catamaran depending on passenger numbers.

From$82 per person
Duration3 hours
Rating4.3 from 296 reviews

What's Included

Included

  • Scenic cruise
  • Live commentary
  • Visit to Ship Cove

Not Included

  • Keep cup ($6)
Run byBeachcomber Cruises

Itinerary

  1. Meet at London QuayCheck in at the Beachcomber Cruises office on London Quay in central Picton. There is no hotel pickup with this product.
  2. Cruise Queen Charlotte SoundDepart at 9:00am and cruise through the sound with live commentary, watching the shoreline for wildlife.
  3. Stop at Ship CoveGo ashore at the historic cove where Cook's Endeavour anchored in the 1770s. See the monument and walk the beach; the visit is a short stop, not an extended shore excursion.
  4. Cruise Endeavour InletRejoin the vessel and cruise the inlet while the crew carries out passenger and freight drop offs along the way.
  5. Return to PictonArrive back at London Quay about three hours after departure.
CommentaryIncluded

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this morning goes, from what you carry on board to how much time you get ashore.

  • Dress for the deck. One reviewer reported cold conditions on the water in early March, so pack warm layers for a morning on the sound.
  • Bring your own. Food and drinks are listed as things to bring. Tea and coffee are available on selected departures if you bring a keep cup, which can be purchased on board for six dollars.
  • Limited time ashore. The Ship Cove visit is short, and some reviewers felt rushed or wished the time limits were clearer beforehand. Plan for a look at the monument, a beach walk and photos rather than a long explore.
  • Commentary quality. Multiple reviewers praised the skipper's commentary on the sound's history and the points of interest along the route. One dissenter reported no commentary at all on their trip, so experiences vary.
  • Variable vessel. The boat changes with passenger numbers, anything from a nine-seat single-hulled boat to a ninety-seat double-storey catamaran.
  • Comfortable shoes. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the day.
From$82 per person
Rating4.3 from 296 reviews
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Common issues. This is a mail and freight run as much as a sightseeing cruise, and a few reviewers were caught out by that, with one describing the trip as essentially a water taxi with brief stops and little commentary. Time ashore at Ship Cove is short, and some travellers want clearer information on those logistics before booking. There is no food or drink provided beyond the keep-cup tea and coffee option, and no hotel pickup. Smoking, vaping, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and non-folding wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed on board, which limits the tour for some travellers with mobility equipment. One reviewer also reported cold conditions on the water in early March, so dress warmly.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Tour?

The price covers the scenic cruise, live commentary and the shore visit at Ship Cove. Departure is from Picton at 9:00am and the whole trip runs about three hours.

Is Food And Drink Extra?

Food and drinks are not provided, so bringing your own is recommended. On selected departures you can fill a keep cup with tea or coffee on board, and a keep cup can be bought for six dollars if you do not have one.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At the Beachcomber Cruises office on London Quay in Picton. There is no hotel pickup with this product, so make your own way to the quay in time for the 9:00am departure.

Can I Join With A Wheelchair Or Stroller?

Non-folding wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters and non-folding strollers are not allowed. Any further accessibility arrangements are not stated, so check with the operator before booking if your equipment folds.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Inside that window the terms are not stated, so check with the operator before you commit.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable shoes, plus food and drinks for the morning. Warm layers are a sensible precaution for time on the water.

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Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.

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