Boat Trips & Cruises · Leigh

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

4.2432 Google reviews

Younger kids (4–8)Older kids (9+)Outdoors

How muchTe utu: $25–$40
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: glassbottomboat.co.nz
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 9 Aug 2026

Get directions

LocationTe wāhi

Leigh

Directions Website

What it is

Goat Island Marine Reserve, north of Auckland near Leigh, is one of the best places in the country to see what thrives when fish are left alone — and a glass-bottom boat makes the whole thing accessible without anyone getting wet. The 45-minute eco-tour passes over reef fish, stingrays, and snapper while the guides point out sea caves and the wave-worn cliffs that ring the island. Boarding is directly from the beach, so younger or less confident passengers stay dry throughout.

Families who want to go further have the option of hiring kayaks or snorkel gear from the beach, giving older or more adventurous kids a chance to get into the reserve themselves.

The tour works equally well as a low-key nature outing or a genuinely educational trip — the crew explain the reserve's ecology as they go, so children tend to come away having actually learned something.

What other parents say

Marcia Glick5 months ago

We are two seniors from Canada with mobility issues. They could not have been nicer to us, making sure we were comfortable while we waited and helping us into the boat. It was a nice way to get out on the water and we liked seeing the caves.

Alana Hing (KiwiAlana)6 months ago

Bought ticket last minute. Glad I went earlier as parking more difficult as more people get out to enjoy their day. Guide and skipper were great as were staff at beach sites. Great tour well worth the $$$.

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Scott Doherty5 months ago

We thought this was a bit underwhelming sadly, we saw very few fish in the glass bottom and the rest of the trip was a look in two caves from a distance, so didn’t really feel we got our moneys worth here, though fully appreciate the fish do what they want and it’s never guaranteed!

GRAMSa year ago

It is a beautiful tour, however, it was so hard to hear the narration. With the flaps down on the boat there is also unequal exposure for occupants to really view the caves. The view into the water is amazing and the knowledge described of what we see is good... wish I could have heard more though.

Eric Norelius5 years ago

This place was great. There was some technical difficulties with the trailer on day one, but Griff helped us out with some snorkeling gear and then we were able to kayak the next day. The regular kayaks are easier to paddle, but the regular ones were super fun! Definitely worth the trip to check out all the fish. Great people to work with, communication was good and all in all we had a good time. Goat island is a great spot to snorkel too. Worth a look for sure.

Reviews from Google.