Milford Sound Cruise Including Underwater Observatory
4.7
340 Ratings
Milford Sound

If you desire a journey that is genuinely original, vastly eye-opening and thoroughly individualized – you’ve found it! This comprehensive package offers the longest and most cost-efficient cruise experience. It encompasses your pick of Nature Cruise, along with a tour of the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre - This is where your experience will begin. Check in with friendly staff 15 minutes prior to your cruise departure, and let the journey begin.
What's Included
  • Visit to the Milford Sound Underwater Observatory
  • Complimentary tea and coffee on board the boat
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic drinks, snacks and bottled water (available to purchase)
  • Transportation to/from attractions
  • On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour.
Additional Information
  • Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Commentary in English only, translation sheets on cruise highlights are provided on board cruise
  • Car Parking: On arrival at Milford Sound you can park at the Milford Sound carpark at a fee of $10 per hour. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the main carpark to the Milford Wharf Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can park free of charge at Deepwater Basin Carpark and walk over to Freshwater Basin to the Cruise Terminal. This walk is approximately 30 minutes in duration, so additional time will need to be allocated in order to do this comfortably and arrive at the terminal 15 minutes prior to your cruise for check-in.
Location
Southern Discoveries - Milford Sound Visitor Centre
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(340 Ratings)
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Juergen_n
Apr 23, 2024
Definitely recommended… - We enjoyed the amazing scenery along the cruise as well as an interesting and very informative tour at the underwater observatory.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertos-journey
Apr 23, 2024
Up Close and Personal with a Spectacular Fiord - Cruising Milford Sound was on the bucket list for my current trip around the world. Southern Discoveries provided a worthwhile and educational experience in the rain and fog which is so prevalent in the rainiest place in New Zealand. The captain offered a lot of insight, we got in close to magnificent waterfalls – of which there are hundreds during and after the rain – but the Underwater Observatory was closed due to – wait for it - excessive rain clouding the water. Good food was served, the tour departed exactly as scheduled and the cruise terminal is modern and clean with bathrooms and souvenirs.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apriljs4789dz
Apr 22, 2024
You must experience Milford Sound and the Underwater Observatory. - It is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the depot for the cruise ships but it is worth it when you get on the comfortable, not overly crowded boat to ride around Milford Sound (Fjord). You can see most everything from either inside or outside. The views are breathtaking and the cruise is not to long or to short. As goldilocks would say... it is just right! The underwater Observatory is a unique experience that adds a little more enjoyment to the trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K2115loshirleys
Apr 21, 2024
Discovering Milford Sound - We enjoyed our 1/2 day cruise on the sound. The captain was very informative. We had ample opportunity to take great photos. The Underwater Observatory was a treat. We learned a lot about the history of Milford Sound, the ongoing research carried out by the crew. Highly recommend them. PS. They have a great picnic lunch you can reserve ahead of time. Plenty of good quality food and snacks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lee_c
Apr 15, 2024
Rainbow - The captain was very professional and skillful, it is so near to the waterfall and it enable us to view the rainbow formation by the waterfall!
Review provided by Viator
Andrew8502
Apr 8, 2024
Stunning and not to miss - The boat trip was awesome and the scenery simply stunning. Can see why it is called the 8th wonder of the world. The underwater observatory is fascinating and well worth a visit too. If you are visiting the area you must visit Milford sound. Only negatives. Expensive parking and pretty mediocre cafe which could be greatly improved.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel08971431455
Apr 6, 2024
Great cruise with bonus dolphins - The cruise was excellent and ran really smoothly. Amazing views and helpful commentary. Really enjoyed the observatory but my highlight was the two close up experiences with dolphins. #SDShareandWin #SouthernDiscoveries.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allison_o
Apr 6, 2024
Stunning views and amazing cruise - The views are absolutely stunning! We appreciated that the cruise left on time. I wish we could have heard the commentary better but otherwise it was amazing! We loved the underwater observatory!
Review provided by Viator
Katherinek
Apr 6, 2024
Exceeded Expectations. - The beauty was captivating. The observatory was quite interesting and gave an historic context. Great start to our trip to NZ.
Review provided by Viator
Sheenamannering
Apr 2, 2024
Absolutely brilliant, a must do!! - This trip was well worth the money. The cruise itself is beautiful. You get so close up to the waterfall you can feel the water spray. It was so calm and flat you did not notice you were on a boat, and I get motion sickness but not on this trip. The underwater discovery is wonderful. There are 60 steps to get down to it but once down there is is beautiful. Seeing the coral and fish in their natural habitat. We were lucky enough to see a seal chasing mackerel. Would I do it again? Most definitely!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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