Hole in the Rock Scenic Cruise including Dolphins and Island stop

Absolutely stunning day, the explore team were incredible at pointing out where everything is and answering any questions, they explained when the water could get choppy or spray. Boat was clean and lots of seating. We saw a pod of orca and seals, giving them space but also close enough for incredible photos. 100% recommend.

Loved the commentary from both the drivers of the Explorer. Went out to the hole in the rock twice. Hope to see a mammal on our third trip out. Saturday 20th June the weather was amazing. The ocean was nice and flat. Sunday 21st June the weather was nice the water was a bit choppy out there.

This tour was great. Taylor the captain was very informative . Due to the weather we weren’t sure if we could get out to the hole in the rock but luckily the weather turned . It was awesome . The stop on the island was a nice break Thanks fullers

It was beautiful experience.

Great service. The cruise was well equipped and the staff was very attentive and helpful. The waters were a little chilly that day and the staff was really on their feet with the service and helping passengers with vomit bags and stuff. The commentary was good as well

This was a fantastic trip. The booking and boarding process was easy, and the boats captain made it easy with excellent communication, so you were in the right place at the right time. We got to see Bottlenose dolphins during the tour and were taken close to the hole in the rock. Unfortunately, the swell was too high for the boat to go through. The scenery was stunning. We had a stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. There were some good walk options and great photo opportunities. I ended my tour at Russell to look around and got the ferry back to Paihia.

We thoroughly enjoyed the experience, also lovely vessel and crew

There were good and bad points. The sales person rushed us into buying the 4 hour trip with lunch . Only when we got onboard did we realise that there were other options. He told us the sea would be calm it was not. However we felt safe with the captain who was honest about the conditions and reassured everyone. It was too rough to go through the hole and we did not sea dolphins or any other marine life. The captain gave lots of information and he was kind and funny. The bay is amazing and all we hoped. I did not enjoy the lunch, over cooked dry meat, cold sloppy salads, not for me. Although the sea conditions was not good it was a warm sunny day and the captain gave everyone the option of staying on the lunch time stop over island and catching a later ferry back, which we did. He told us about the walks and we swam in the sea. The water is lovely. We did enjoy the day but wish we had seen the bay at its best, I would go with this company again but next time I would make sure we understood the options better.

This half day cruise was so enjoyable. We saw so much. Commentary was good. Staff friendly. Lunch stop was lovely and we were able to do some kayaking which was a highlight.

We had booked our family trip (two adults, two kids) for Wednesday but wanted to change to Tuesday due to storms coming in. The team emailed me straight back and arranged with no issues. We arrived on the day and lovely friendly crew greeted us. Captain was really informative and funny over the tannoy. He did explain that due to the swells we might not be able to go all the way to the rock and said it could be a bit of an up and down ride, but wanted to keep us all safe so wouldn’t risk anything and would turn back if needed. Very reassuring. Off we set and all going great, gorgeous views and yes a little choppy. Cruising round the bay we saw lots of sea birds and Cooks famous landing spot. The captain warned us to make sure we were sat down for the next section as we wouldn’t have the shelter of the islands as we headed towards the Hole in the Rock. He wasn’t wrong. I felt so rough, I got hot, felt dizzy, queazy tummy, jelly legs (despite being sat down). However the lovely Donna and her team were keeping an eye on all the passengers and spotted my colourless cheeks and headed straight over to check I was ok. She stayed with me, gave me lots of great advice, reassured me and just chatted to me. Luckily, despite the waves we made it to the rock - and it was magnificent. However we didn’t go through the hole as it wouldn’t have been safe to do so. The captain told us all about the history of the rock and after not long we were heading back towards the islands. We spent a lovely 90 mins on the “secret beach” - take your swimming costumes as you’ll want to swim. You can pack a picnic and eat on the beaches or the benches. Or eat at the cafe. You could also go for walks around the island to various viewing points We chose to stay on the beach and hang out there (only 2 days after flying we were fighting jet lag and still quite tired). We were swimming in crystal clear water next to birds fishing. Just incredibly beautiful and well worth those waves! The return to Paihia was a lot calmer and I was glad to be back on dry land, however the cruise was well worth it, the crew were wonderful, especially Donna (thank you) and the captain had us in safe hands. Highly recommend this boat trip if you are in the Bay of Island. We headed for Thirdwheel coffee shop for a delicious coffee and cake post cruises Sadly no dolphins spotted, but this didn’t detract from a great trip out.