Half-Day Scenic Cruise

Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton

★ 4.3 156 reviews

from $69.02 per person

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Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: London Quay
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Beachcomber Cruises

Overview

Beachcomber Cruises runs this morning trip out of Picton, and it is part sightseeing, part working run. The boat departs from the office at 1 London Quay at 9:00am sharp and spends three hours and thirty minutes on Queen Charlotte Sound, passing along its coastline while the crew gives commentary on board.

Wildlife sightings are a common theme in reviews, with dolphins, seals, penguins and seabirds reported on many crossings, though a Ship Cove stop is not mentioned as a standard part of this cruise. One captain reportedly lets kids steer on the return leg. The boat itself varies anywhere from a nine seater to a 99 seater catamaran, and which one you get is not guaranteed. Groups run to a maximum of seventy travellers.

This suits people who want a relaxed morning on the water with wildlife odds in their favour, and who do not mind that the timetable includes practical errands. It is less suited to anyone expecting a dedicated commentary-only cruise, since one reviewer compared it to a commuter ferry. Back on land by around midday, there is time left in the day for eating and wandering Picton.

From$69.02 per person

Duration3 hours 30 minutes

Rating4.3 from 156 reviews

What's Included

Included

Commentary on board
Toilets on board (Restroom on board)

Not Included

Food
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Beachcomber Cruises keep cup ($6 available for purchase)

Run byBeachcomber Cruises

Itinerary

Meet at London QuayCheck in at the Beachcomber Cruises office on the Picton waterfront, at the corner of Wellington Street and London Quay. The tour departs sharply at 9:00am.
Queen Charlotte Sound cruiseThe boat travels through Queen Charlotte Sound, described in the itinerary as a pass-by, with commentary on board and stops along the way for drop-offs and pickups.
Island and Ship Cove stopReviews describe a shore stop at Ship Cove, where Cook landed, and other island stops. Time ashore is limited, with some reviewers wishing for longer.
Return to PictonThe trip ends back at the meeting point on London Quay after three hours and thirty minutes, around midday.

CommentaryIncluded

ToiletsOn board

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this morning goes, from what to wear on deck to how the working stops affect the pace.

Dress for the deck. Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended.
Wear proper shoes. Closed-toe walking shoes suitable for walking are recommended. There is a chance to walk a section at one of the stops if you want to, as one reviewer described.
Bring your own food. Food is not included, but guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to consume on board. Toilets are on board, and commentary is listed as included.
Wildlife is likely but not certain. Many reviewers report dolphins, often several groups, plus seals, penguins and birds close to the boat. Others saw mostly scenery, so treat wildlife as a strong possibility rather than a promise.
Short shore stops. Time at Ship Cove and other islands is brief, with reviewers saying they wanted another stretch ashore. Plan for a quick look rather than a long explore.

From$69.02 per person

Rating4.3 from 156 reviews

Ready To RideCheck Price & Availability →

Common issues. The tour has a minimum number requirement and may be cancelled if capacity is not reached, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered. Which boat you get is not guaranteed and can range from a nine seater to a 99 seater catamaran, and the vessel carries up to seventy travellers, so it is not an intimate small-group trip. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the operator cannot pick up or drop off at the Cruise Ship Terminal. Weather matters, both for comfort and because the experience requires good conditions. One reviewer reported commentary was inaudible in parts of the boat.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Depart From?

Check in at the Beachcomber Cruises office on the Picton waterfront, at the corner of Wellington Street and London Quay. The boat departs sharply at 9:00am, so arrive with time to spare. There is no pickup or drop-off at the Cruise Ship Terminal, so cruise passengers need to make their own way to the office.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Travellers make their own way to the meeting point on London Quay, and the tour ends back at the same spot.

What Is Included In The Price?

Commentary on board and toilets on board are included. Food is not included, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume on the trip. A Beachcomber Cruises keep cup is available to purchase on board if you want a souvenir mug.

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

Most travellers can participate, pushchairs are accessible and service animals are allowed, and reviewers describe the boat as easily accessible to all ages. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for travellers with serious mobility issues. The island stop involves getting off the boat and walking if you want to look around.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.