Coromandel: Sailing tour to Cathedral Cove with swim

Summary

Sailing the Coromandel coast to Cathedral Cove with coffee & a swim

You’ll sail along Mercury Bay’s rugged coast on a small-group catamaran tour from Flaxmill Bay, getting up close to Cathedral Cove and pausing for an optional swim or snorkel in clear waters. Enjoy fresh coffee and a baked snack as you relax on deck with locals guiding you — moments you’ll remember long after heading back to shore.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the smell — salt and something like warm bread, drifting over from the galley as we stepped onto the catamaran at Flaxmill Bay. The skipper, Pete, gave us this half-grin and said we could help with the ropes if we wanted, or just sprawl out on beanbags. I tried both (turns out sailing knots are trickier than they look). The wind was up but not wild, so you could hear the gulls over everything else. There was a couple from Auckland chatting quietly in the corner, and someone’s kid kept pointing at shapes in the cliffs — dolphins? Rocks? Hard to tell from a distance.

We hugged the coastline of Mercury Bay for what felt like ages but probably wasn’t. The light kept shifting on the water — silver one minute, then almost green near Gemstone Bay. Pete pointed out Cathedral Cove before I even spotted it; that arch looks almost unreal up close from the boat, like it’s been carved out by hand. We didn’t go ashore (they’re strict about that), but honestly, seeing it from the water felt right. There’s something about being rocked gently while you stare at those cliffs that makes you forget your phone for a bit.

When we anchored, some people jumped straight in for a swim or grabbed snorkels — apparently there’s loads of fish in that marine reserve because no one’s allowed to fish there. I stayed on deck with my coffee (strong and slightly sweet) and a still-warm muffin. The sun came out properly then, and everything smelled like seaweed and sunscreen. Someone tried to say “Cathedral Cove” in te reo Māori; Pete laughed and gave him a quick lesson — sounded better than my attempt at “Whitianga,” which I still can’t pronounce right.

The sail back was quieter — maybe everyone was just soaking it in or thinking about lunch already. I kept watching how the wind filled out the sails and how little noise there was without an engine rumbling underneath us. It’s strange how quickly you get used to that kind of quiet. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that view of Cathedral Cove through salt-splattered sunglasses.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sail and Explore Cathedral Cove

• Sail around Mercury Bay
• View Cathedral Cove from yacht
• Optional swim or snorkel at Gemstone Bay

Top questions

What time does the sailing tour depart from Flaxmill Bay?

The morning sailing tour departs at 9:15 am, with final check-in by 9:00 am.

Is swimming or snorkeling included during the tour?

Yes, there’s an optional swim or snorkel stop in the marine reserve if time allows; equipment is provided.

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

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

Are snacks or drinks included on this tour?

Yes, morning trips include freshly brewed coffee, chilled orange juice, and a baked snack.

How many people are on each sailing trip?

The tours are small group only; exact numbers may vary but space is limited for comfort.

Is there a toilet or changing area onboard?

Yes, both toilets and changing areas are available on board the catamaran.

Are children allowed on this sailing tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are permitted onboard.

Does this tour use engines or is it wind-powered?

The catamaran uses wind power for minimal environmental impact; engines are avoided when possible.

What’s included

Your morning includes sailing with a local skipper and crew along Mercury Bay’s coast from Flaxmill Bay to Cathedral Cove, use of snorkeling equipment if you want to swim in the marine reserve, plus freshly brewed coffee and a baked snack served onboard before returning around lunchtime.