Glass Bottom Boat
Auckland
Scenic Cruises
Water Activities
Jump aboard the 'Aquador' and experience a real fishes-eye-view under the crystal clear waters around Goat Island Marine Reserve. Choose from 'Inner Island' or 'Around the Island' trips.
Departing from the beautiful beach at Goat Island Marine Reserve, near Leigh, these short excursions around the surrounding reefs, caves and bays are a fantastic way to get really up close and personal with the amazing array of marine wildlife to be seen in these waters. The unique vantage point the glass-bottomed boat offers passengers, provides unrivalled photo opportunities, and is a particular source of wonder for kids (and big kids!), who will never have seen fish, molluscs, urchins and seabirds this close before.
If you're lucky, you may even see some dolphins, who are known to follow the boat as it winds its way in and out of the echoey caves and around the bay, and no two trips are the same. Stingrays, leatherjackets, beautiful blue maomao and marblefish are just some of the slippery customers you'll encounter, as well as a whole host of surprisingly attractive mosses, kelps, and anemones. Watching all this incredible marine life go about their business through the glass floor of the boat, is a truly awesome sight, and the next best thing to actually being down there with them.
But you might be glad you're safely tucked upstairs, if the orcas and sharks, who are known to frequent the waters here, decide to stop by and say hello. Don't worry, it's all perfectly safe!
'Around The Island' trip lasts 45 minutes and will go more into the open sea, and around the reserve's various caves and reefs, taking in wildlife both above and below the water. The 'Inner Island' trip lasts 30 minutes and concentrates on the shallower ocean floor where you can see lots of animals up close.
Trips are subject to sea conditions - always ring to confirm that the boat is operating!
Pricing:
Around The Island - Adult: $25, Child: $13
Inner Island - Adult: $20, Child: $10