Cruising with Southern Discoveries is the best way to experience more of Milford Sound on top of the water, but why stop there? Upgrade your cruise to complete your day with a visit to our amazing, exclusively-operated, underwater observatory.
Hidden under the surface of Harrison Cove in the middle of Piopiotahi Marine Reserve is a unique and beautiful environment – there’s nowhere else in the world quite like it. Thanks to the deep-water emergence phenomenon, Milford Sound is home to species such as black coral which are usually only found at depths of more than 500 metres.
Our Milford Sound Underwater Observatory allows you to experience this amazing world beneath the surface. You’ll descend 64 steps (10 metres) underwater into a large, fully air-conditioned viewing area where windows with excellent clarity open your eyes to this underwater haven. Unlike an aquarium, the fish are free to come and go; it’s the people who are contained.
Why choose the Underwater Observatory?
Underwater Observatory Upgrades:
Our prices below are for a package including your choice of cruise, a visit to the underwater observatory and a freshly-prepared picnic lunch. You also have the option to add the underwater observatory to your cruise when booking for $25 per adult or $15 per child.
Departs From | Check-in closes | Departs | Option | Includes | Returns | Adult | Child | Online Special | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Milford Sound | 8.45am | 9.00am | Scenic Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Cooked Breakfast | 11.30am | $90 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 9.15am | 9.30am | Encounter Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 12.15pm | $130 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 10.15am | 10.30am | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 1.00pm | $110 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 11.15am | 11.30am | Scenic Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch * | 1.30pm | $124 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 12.00pm | 12.15pm | Encounter Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 3.15pm | $134 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 12.45pm | 1.00pm | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch * | 4.00pm | $144 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 1.15pm | 1.30pm | Scenic Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch * | 4.00pm | $140 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 2.00pm | 2.15pm | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 4.45pm | $140 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 2.30pm | 2.45pm | Encounter Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 5.00pm | $130 | $55 | ||
Milford Sound | 3.00pm | 3.15pm | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 5.30pm | $110 | $55 | ||
Queenstown | 7.45am | 8.00am | Coach, Cruise & Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 9.15pm | $140 | SAVE $35 | ||
Queenstown | 7.45am | 8.00am | Coach, Cruise & Underwater Observatory with returm flight | Picnic Lunch | 5.45pm | $685 | from $400 | ||
Queenstown | 7.45am | 8.00am | Coach, Cruise & Underwater Observatory with returm heli | Picnic Lunch | 5.45pm | $1100 | from $725 | ||
Te Anau | 8.15am | 8.30am | Small Coach, Cruise & Underwater Observatory** | 5.00pm | $145 | $75 | |||
Te Anau | 10.45am | 11.00am | Coach, Cruise & Underwater Observatory | Picnic Lunch | 7.00pm | $130 | SAVE $35 |
Departs From | Check in closes | Departs | Option | Includes | Returns | Adult | Child | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Milford Sound | 9.30am | 9.45am | Encounter Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory* | Picnic Lunch | 1.00pm | $120 | $55 | |
Milford Sound | 10.15am | 10.30am | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory* | Picnic Lunch | 1.20pm | $104 | $55 | |
Milford Sound | 11.15am | 11.30am | Scenic Cruise + Underwater Observatory* | Picnic Lunch | 1.20pm | $104 | $55 | |
Milford Sound | 12.45pm | 1.00pm | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory* | Picnic Lunch | 3.45pm | $130 | $55 | |
Milford Sound | 1.45pm | 2.00pm | Nature Cruise + Underwater Observatory* | Picnic Lunch | 4.30pm | $110 | $55 | |
Te Anau | 9.15am | 9.30am | Small Coach, Cruise + Underwater Observatory* | 7.00pm | $145** | $75 |