Coromandel: Catamaran sail to Cathedral Cove with swim

Summary

Sailing Coromandel’s coast, Cathedral Cove & a dip in Mercury Bay

You’ll set sail from Coromandel on a modern catamaran toward Cathedral Cove, gliding past rugged coastline and islands. With a local guide at the helm, enjoy New Zealand wine or beer and fresh fruit as you relax or take a swim in Mercury Bay’s marine reserve—an experience you’ll remember long after drying off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not engines, but just the hull slicing through water and a bit of wind whistling past my ears. We left the beach at Whitianga right on time, shoes off, toes already sandy. Our skipper, Dave (who’s got that dry Kiwi humor), handed out chilled New Zealand wine as we drifted out into Mercury Bay. The sun felt warm but not harsh, and there was this faint smell of salt mixed with sunscreen — you know that holiday smell?

We sailed close enough to Cathedral Cove that I could see the archway’s pale stone up close from the catamaran deck. Didn’t expect it to feel so… quiet? Maybe because you’re floating instead of hiking in with crowds. Dave pointed out a couple of gannets diving for fish — he called them “the real locals.” I tried saying something about the Māori name for the cove, but probably butchered it; Dave just grinned and poured more wine.

After anchoring near Gemstone Bay (if you’ve ever wondered what turquoise really looks like), some people jumped straight in for a swim or grabbed snorkels. I hesitated — water looked cold — but honestly, once you’re in, it’s worth it. Saw these little blue fish darting around my feet. If swimming isn’t your thing, those beanbags on deck are dangerously comfortable; one guy actually fell asleep mid-sentence. There was fresh fruit passed around too — kiwifruit tastes different here, sweeter somehow.

I keep thinking about how peaceful it felt out there, just sails and sea and no rush back to shore. Not every day trip from Coromandel lets you see Cathedral Cove like this — no crowds, just a handful of us drifting along together. I’d do it again just for that silence under the cliffs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and Explore Coromandel Coast

• Sail by Mercury Bay
• View Cathedral Cove from boat
• Swim or snorkel at Gemstone Bay

Top questions

What time does the catamaran tour to Cathedral Cove depart?

The afternoon trip departs at 1:45pm (final check-in 1:30pm). In April, departure is 11:00am.

Is swimming or snorkeling included during the tour?

Yes, there’s an optional swim or snorkel stop at Gemstone Bay if time allows.

Do we go ashore at Cathedral Cove during this sailing tour?

No, you view Cathedral Cove up close from the catamaran but do not go ashore.

Are drinks provided on board?

You get a complimentary chilled local beer or New Zealand wine along with fresh fruit.

Is there a toilet or changing area on the boat?

Yes, the catamaran has toilets and changing facilities onboard.

Can children join this sailing trip?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes use of snorkeling equipment if you want to swim in Mercury Bay’s marine reserve, access to toilets and changing areas onboard the spacious catamaran, plus complimentary chilled local beer or New Zealand wine and some fresh fruit as you relax under sail before returning to shore.