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Underwater Observatory

Cruise and Underwater Observatory 

Discover More experience is currently unavailable

Check out our Coach & Nature Cruise.

Descend 10 metres beneath the water to gaze out at sea life
Accessible only by boat
Discover rare black coral unique to Milford Sound
Descend 10 metres beneath the water to gaze out at sea life
Accessible only by boat
Discover rare black coral unique to Milford Sound

About

Descend below the surface and discover Milford Sound’s unique underwater environment. Available exclusively to Southern Discoveries customers.

There are very few places on the planet like Milford Sound’s underwater environment. Here, a phenomenon known as ‘deep-water emergence’ occurs where freshwater meets seawater and species which normally live at great depths survive in much shallower environments. Black Coral is known as a deep-sea coral, however, here in Milford Sound it is found just 10 metres below the surface. For an in-depth exploration of this incredible environment, add a visit to New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory to your cruise in Milford Sound.

  • Please note that our Discover More Cruises are currently unavailable. Our Nature Cruises are operating as normal. 
  • One-hour guided experience - included in all Discover More cruise departures
  • Located in Harrison Cove, accessible only by boat
  • Descend 10 metres (64 steps) beneath the water to gaze at coral, fish and anemones
  • Discover rare black coral
  • Learn about the history, ecology and geology of Milford Sound as well as conservation and tourism in the area
  • The only cruise departure including the underwater observatory is the Discover More Cruise.
  • Southern Discoveries Ltd wishes to notify our customers about the natural risks and hazards prevalent in Milford Sound, the remote location where our operations are situated. Detailed information of these risks and hazards can be found here.
up to 3 hrs
1
Travel by boat is the only way to get to the underwater observatory
2
Black coral growing in shallow water is unqiue to Milford Sound
3
Enjoy amazing vistas of Mitre Peak on the journey to Harrison Cove
4
Enjoy close-up views of a variety of underwater sea life
5
Experience New Zealand's only floating underwater observatory

Map

Cruise and Underwater Observatory Lunch menu

Lunch

Lunch Options
  • A selection of snacks are available to purchase
  • A Picnic lunch is available for purchase on all departures
  • A fully licensed bar is available on all vessels, except the Lady Stirling
  • Free tea and coffee is available on all cruises
  • All meat is certified halal
  • The menu may vary at times due to seasonal supply
  • Please note that the ingredients and contents of each meal are only a guide and these may be subject to change
  • Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available – please indicate your preferences when you are booking online
  • If you have specific dietary requirements or special group requests, please call to discuss with the reservations team
  • Passengers are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onboard our vessels
  • We only accept credit card or cash payments, we can not accept eftpos or debit cards
Discover More Cruise<br/>Picnic Lunch
Discover More Cruise
Picnic Lunch

A Picnic lunch is available for purchase on all departures. It is freshly prepared daily and includes:

    • Sandwich with selected meat and salad for the regular option
    • Cheese and crackers
    • Seasonal fresh fruit
    • Crisps
    • Cookie
    • Small chocolate bar

 

There are four available options; regular, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. When you book online, please select your preference.