Half-Day Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound from Picton: Ship Cove

Land where Captain Cook anchored the Endeavour in the 1770s

A half-day cruise departing Picton at 9am through the Queen Charlotte Sound to Ship Cove, where you go ashore at the historic landing site of Captain Cook's Endeavour. The boat carries a live English-speaking guide, on-board commentary, and restroom facilities. The vessel size varies from a small 9-seater to a 99-seater catamaran depending on the day and passenger count.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day cruise in Marlborough Sounds

• Depart Picton at 9:00am
• Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound
• Watch for wildlife and native flora
• Visit historic Ship Cove onshore
• See Captain Cook monument and beach
• Cruise through Endeavour Inlet
• Complete passenger and freight drop-offs
• Return to Picton

The experience

The cruise leaves Picton at 9:00am sharp and runs for three and a half hours, moving through the Queen Charlotte Sound's tranquil waterways. Along the way you watch for native wildlife and flora while the guide provides commentary on the landscape and history. The route takes you past Endeavour Inlet before returning to Picton, with time spent cruising through the sound and completing passenger and freight deliveries at various stops.

At Ship Cove you disembark to explore the beach and the monument marking where Captain Cook's ship was anchored in the 1770s to replenish supplies. The site sits in quiet surroundings, and you have the chance to walk the shoreline and take in the setting at your own pace before rejoining the vessel. Closed-toe walking shoes are recommended for the beach visit.

The boat itself varies. It may be a smaller 9-seater or a larger 99-seater catamaran, and this is not guaranteed in advance. A restroom is on board, and you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks. The tour operates on a minimum passenger requirement and may be cancelled if capacity is not reached. You'll need to make your own way to the booking office in Picton rather than arranging hotel pickup.

What’s included

• On-board commentary from a live English-speaking guide.
• restroom facilities on board.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 70

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Beachcomber Cruises

Is this one for you?At three and a half hours, this cruise fits neatly into a morning or early afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Picton or the wider Marlborough region.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Ship Cove and why does it matter?

Ship Cove is where Captain Cook's Endeavour was anchored in the 1770s while the crew replenished supplies. You go ashore there to see the monument and walk the beach, making it the main stop of the cruise.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

Food is not included, but you're welcome to bring your own food and drinks to consume on board during the cruise.

What time does the cruise depart and how long does it take?

The cruise departs Picton at 9:00am and runs for three and a half hours, returning by around 12:30pm.

Will I know what size boat I'm on before I book?

The vessel varies from a smaller 9-seater to a 99-seater catamaran and is not guaranteed in advance. The boat used depends on the day and passenger numbers.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the departure point?

Yes, you'll need to make your own way to the booking office in Picton. The tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off, and you cannot depart from the cruise ship terminal.