Bay Explorer

Welcome to our big blue backyard! Enter nature & wide open spaces on a Bay Explorer wildlife cruise. Join us for a shared lifetime experience and help protect wild marine animals.

Bay Explorer offers a Full-Day Island & Wildlife Cruise or Half-Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise, our award winning #1 Boat Cruises in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. 

You will explore the aquatic world of seasonal marine wildlife and watch wild dolphins up close, orca killer whales, sharks, seasonal whale watching, penguins, seals, sunfish, school fish & seabirds. 

Our purpose-built boat is unlike any other in the Bay of Plenty with viewing platforms that are designed to highlight the fantastic local scenery so you can observe local marine wildlife at its best.  When you choose Bay Explorer your comfort is our main priority, with spacious decks, ample seating options and a covered area for shade and shelter. It also has a fully licenced bar with chilled regional wine and beers  along with non-alcoholic beverages.

The Full Day Island & Wildlife Cruise allows you to enjoy a midday island stopover at a sheltered cove. Water activities will be available, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling or swimming. Our Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise means we get to spend more time searching for the wildlife, and is perfect for those who are a bit short on time.

Full Day Island & Wildlife Cruise: Departing at 8am, and returning by 2pm – 4pm

Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise: Departing at 9am and returning by 1pm – 3pm

Highlights Of Our Cruises:

• A full day or half day wildlife cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
• Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
• Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
• Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
• Onboard commentary on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
• Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available).
• Food options, or bring your own lunch and snacks.
• Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
• Photos of a lifetime!