Enjoy a unique experience, interacting with wild stingrays in their natural environment. Our Reef Ecology Tour is one of the most popular and unique experiences in Aotearoa New Zealand. Embark on a low-tide tour, wading out to the shallow waters where friendly stingrays will greet you. Our guides will share facts with you and you will have a chance to ask questions and learn all there is to know about these famous marine animals.
What to expect from our Reef Tour?
The Reef Ecology tour is a walk over the reef at low tide, you are kitted out in waders to keep you dry. When arriving at the drop off (similar to scenes from the movie Finding Nemo) you’ll stand in the water whilst our resident Short Tail Stingrays and Eagle Ray Stingrays and other reef dwellers swim around at your feet. Let Pancake and Waffle, two of our Short Tail stingrays, sit on your feet and wait for a gentle stroke. It seems hard to imagine that Stingrays are perceived to be dangerous.
During your time in the water, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and interact with the Stingrays, Eagle Rays, Kingfish and other reef animals with our guides. They will provide information about the local inhabitants who live in and around the open reef.
Why should you go on our interactive Reef Tour?
Dive Tatapouri’s Reef Tour is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Gisborne, New Zealand. This popular tourist attraction is suitable for all ages and large groups can be accommodated by prior arrangement. Our Reef Ecology Tour is one of the top things to do in Gisborne, so we recommend booking your trip to avoid missing out!
The Reef Ecology Tour is ideal for school excursions and team-building days too. Children are welcome and we do have a banana boat that they children can ride on to view the reef from above if preferred. They can hop off and interact with the Stingrays as normal. However, all participants must follow our guide’s instructions at all times – this is to safeguard our marine life, the guides, and yourself.
