Set anchor at Ship Cove, a sheltered bay of Queen Charlotte Sound where Captain James Cook landed in the late 1700s. During this half-day nature cruise in the Marlborough Sounds, enthusiastic marine biologists point out wildlife including New Zealand fur seals and several species of dolphins: Hector's, bottlenose and dusky. Spot rare seabirds and learn about the history between Cook and the Maori people of Aotearoa while you’re treated to refreshments on board.

Half-day Marlborough Sounds nature cruise to Ship Cove
Travel the length of Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton
Keep an eye out for dolphins, fur seals and abundant seabirds
Treat yourself to hot chocolate and cookies on board
Small-group tour ensures a personalized experience

What's Included

Professional guide
Live commentary on board
National Park fees
Light refreshments

Gratuities
Transportation to/from attractions

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

E-Ko Tours
1 Wellington Street, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Follow the BLUE line from the Visitor Information Center with the sea on your left until you reach E-Ko Tours - look out for the seal! Check-in 15 minutes prior to departure

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Queen Charlotte Sound

4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

E-Ko Tours

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Most travelers can participate
Morning tour departs at 08:30 on cruise ship days
Check-In 15 minutes prior to departure time
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Sandra_A

The crew, Capt Paul & Alice were excellent. They were knowledgeable, interesting & had good people skills. We learnt a lot about the local flora & fauna as well as Māori history & the arrival of Capt Cook. The scenery was amazing. It was good to hear that part of the cost of the trip went directly back in to supporting the animals & plants that we saw on the cruise.

Reviews

5.0

18 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-10 of 18 reviews

Great outing on a cool & windy day

Michael_L, Mar 2024

We went out on a motorised catamaran and I think there were about 30-40 of us. Though we did not manage to see any dolphins, we manged to see a number of wildlife including rare and protected King Shags, a fur seal sunbathing on the rocks and various seabirds. Though it was a cool & windy day, we had a great outing. The crew, Andy (Skipper) and a young lady provided a full commentary during our cruise. Binoculars were provided and towards the end of the tour the young lady (sorry I forgot your name) provided a much appreciated hot drinks & cookies to warm us up!

Awesome Marlborough Sounds boat trip

Tania_E, Mar 2024

Whilst we booked yo do Captain Cookand Dolphin cruise we switched during cruise so we could experience the nature reserve island instead. The cruise around the Marlborough Sounds with Captain Paul and tour guide Will from E-KO was awesome. Whilst we didn't see any Dolphins we did see lots of seals, variety of rare birds in particular the Giant Shags. Only 9 persons plus Will and Captain Paul on the boat. Great fun. Definitely recommend it.

Really nice way to see Marlborough Sound!

Natalie_P, Jan 2024

Great little cruise in Marlborough Sound! The crew was fantastic and it was very informative. Highly recommended!

Well done

Ivan_G, Jan 2024

Amazing ride on a boat looking around for wild life. Knowledgable and entertaining guide and captain. Enjoyable experience

A wonderful Picton experience

Sandra_A, May 2023

Great tour but not on a sailing ship

Vicki_K, Feb 2023

Don’t go by the booking picture because you will be on a modern touring boat and not an old style sailing ship. Still, an awesome tour with multiple close up encounters with dolphins and seals.

Awesome trip with kids

Tamara_M, Dec 2022

Excellent trip! We took 4 kids (5-12y) - the guide (Courtney) and captain (Andy) were awesome- wonderful knowledge and super with the kids. Boat was great, and had things for the kids to draw and read between wildlife sightings. Thank-you for having us!

Great time!

Maria_S, Nov 2022

The guides worked to make sure we all gad a good time. I was traveling alone and got to sit up front with the captain! He was the best!

The tour was great, we got to see...

Val C, Jul 2017

The tour was great, we got to see all the wildlife that was promised and more! Both Tristan and the Captain were great hosts, would definitely recommend!

This tour was outstanding...

Mark_W, Mar 2017

This tour was outstanding. Wonderful sights of birds, some history-telling, and close-up dolphin encounter. The only quibble is the oh-so-seriousness of the two person crew. I got the impression that they like animals more than people. Take a lesson from the dolphins, guys, and lighten up.

Lovely day on the water. Great...

Kathryn D, Mar 2017

Lovely day on the water. Great staff who were very knowledgeable. Stop at the bird sanctuary was disappointing for us because we have some mobility issues and had to wait at least 45 minutes for the group to return. We saw only two types of birds unfortunately. Spotting the dolphins on the way back was a real treat for us. Tour would have been disappointing without that.

This was a very worthwhile tour. The...

Van A, Mar 2016

This was a very worthwhile tour. The boat captain and commentator were enthusiastic and knowledgable and went out of their way to spot and bring our group as close as possible to various wildlife, some of which was quite unique and rare. I also appreciated the link the tour company has with conservation efforts in New Zealand.