Milford Sound Cruise: Three Deck Catamaran & Waterfalls

Summary

Milford Sound’s wild cliffs waterfalls and seal colonies by boat

You’ll board a three-deck catamaran in Milford Sound with friendly crew guiding you past glacier-carved cliffs, waterfalls like Bowen and Stirling Falls, and seal colonies lounging on rocks. Warm up with coffee or local wine from the café bar as you feel waterfall spray on your face — it’s raw, wild beauty you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not silence, but this soft hush as our catamaran slid away from the dock in Milford Sound. There was mist clinging to the cliffs, and our guide (I think her name was Tania?) pointed out Mitre Peak before I’d even found my sea legs. She had that Fiordland accent, kind of warm and dry at the same time. Someone behind me ordered a flat white from the café bar — honestly, I didn’t expect decent coffee out here but it was actually good. Maybe it was just the cold air making everything taste sharper.

We drifted so close to Bowen Falls you could feel the spray if you leaned over the rail (which I did, and my jacket still smells faintly mossy). The water looked black but when the sun broke through for a second, it turned this weird deep green. Tania kept up a steady stream of stories about how these cliffs were carved by glaciers — she pointed out Fairy Falls and Seal Rock too, where a couple of fur seals were just lying there like they owned the place. At one point someone thought they saw dolphins but maybe it was just wishful thinking; everyone craned their necks anyway.

The big moment is Stirling Falls — we all shuffled out onto the foredeck and got properly soaked as the skipper nosed right up to it. There’s something about being that close to all that water thundering down that makes you feel small in a good way. Some people laughed, some just stood there grinning with their hoods up. On the way back toward Dale Point I grabbed a local beer from inside (the barista remembered my name which felt oddly nice) and just watched the mountains slide past until we docked again. It’s strange how quiet everything felt after stepping off — like your ears are still full of water and wind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Milford Sound scenic catamaran cruise

• Board three deck catamaran
• Cruise along Milford Sound
• View towering mountains and cliffs
• See waterfalls and rainforest spray
• Spot fur seals and dolphins
• Pass iconic landmarks
• Enjoy onboard café bar
• Join skipper on foredeck at Stirling Falls

Top questions

How long does the Milford Sound cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately two hours along Milford Sound.

Are drinks or food available during the cruise?

Yes, there’s an onboard café bar serving hot and cold snacks plus local wine or beer.

Is there wheelchair access on this Milford Sound cruise?

Yes, the catamarans are wheelchair accessible for all guests.

Will I see wildlife like seals or dolphins?

You’ll likely spot New Zealand fur seals; dolphins are seen occasionally but not guaranteed.

Does this Milford Sound cruise include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you board directly at Milford Sound.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the cruise.

What are some landmarks seen on this day trip?

You’ll pass Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Fairy Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Dale Point, Seal Rock, Copper Point, and Stirling Falls.

Is coffee or tea included in my ticket?

Coffee and tea are included with your Milford Sound cruise ticket.

What’s included

Your day includes a two-hour Milford Sound cruise aboard a modern three-deck catamaran with indoor seating and open decks for viewing waterfalls and wildlife. Coffee and tea are provided throughout your journey; snacks plus local wine or beer are available for purchase at the onboard café bar before returning to port.