Enter nature & wide open spaces on a Bay Explorer wildlife cruise. Join the team on a premium wildlife adventure experience cruising for the day on the biggest charter boat in Tauranga, and exploring the beautiful islands. There is so much to see in our big blue backyard, and the team at Bay Explorer is eager to share the unique world of marine wildlife with you! Visitors aboard ship will spend the day exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coast where crew members will teach you about the amazing diversity of marine wildlife we have in our backyard such as dolphins, whales, seals, sunfish, rays, school fish, birdlife and much more!
The Captain and experienced crew love to share their marine knowledge with you, and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing while out at sea! The purpose-built boat is unlike any other in the Bay of Plenty, and has designed viewing platforms so you can observe local marine activity at its best. With spacious decks, ample seating options and a covered area for shade and shelter, the comfort of guests is a main priority. Bay Explorer also has a fully licensed bar with chilled regional wine and beers, along with non-alcoholic beverages, and bbq to enhance the experience.
Bay Explorer Tours
Bay Explorer Cruises are tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. The team finds great joy in sharing a lifetime experience with others, and how they can continue to help protect our marine wildlife within our big blue backyard.
Island & Wildlife Cruise
Join the team on a full day Island & Wildlife Cruise that allows you to enjoy a midday island stop over at a sheltered cove to explore. During your day out on the water, guests can also enjoy many optional activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling reefs, swimming & hiking.
Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard! Your half day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coast and islands, where guests can embrace the amazing diversity of Tauranga’s marine wildlife. With dolphins swimming alongside the vessel, it’s the best way to see the amazing sea life in Tauranga. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca and even more on this unique cruise!
The Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is tailored to those wanting a raw ocean life experience. Participate by searching on the large top deck for a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. This tour has limited passenger numbers for comfort to enable a more personal experience, which is ideal for families and smaller parties. The crew are experts and will help you spot native wildlife during your cruise or tour. Keep your camera handy so you can photograph beautiful New Zealand wildlife in its natural habitat. You will return to Tauranga by 2:00pm so you will have the rest of the day to explore the beautiful region of Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels!
What’s including in the Dolphin & Wildlife cruise?
A 5 hour dolphin & wildlife watching cruise on their spacious 18 metre vessel, with 360° outdoor views.
Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages.
Food options, or bring your own lunch and snacks.
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew.
Photos of a lifetime!
Bay Explorer Charters
What could be more unique than a venue on the water? Wether you are looking for a private booking, the team can accommodate as they organize custom charter cruises. With being the largest hospitality charter boat in Tauranga, they operate all throughout the harbour, and can host up to 140 passengers.
The Bay Explorer will take you through the beautiful harbour of Tauranga and beyond, either during the day or into the evening. They can customize charter cruises for private bookings or corporate events depending on your parties preference.
What is included in on a Bay Explorer Charter?
Onboard licenced bar with cold beer, chilled regional wine and non-alcoholic beverages ready to serve
Large interior saloon and large spacious viewing deck
Catering available and an onboard BBQ facility
PA system onboard
Room for live entertainment
Can cater up to 140 passengers
You choose the date and time – bookings are essential
Explore the stunning beauty of the Bay of Plentys coastline, and enjoy a day basking on the water. Bay Explorer are accommodating, and work on creating itineraries that can be tailored to your parties preference. Whether you are looking to learn about marine wildlife, go sea kayaking, explore nearby islands, or just relax during the cruise- the options are endless at Bay Explorer. The crew would love to have you aboard the Bay Explorer, so you can experience for yourself why it is Tauranga’s premier wildlife cruise!