Scenic ferry cruises between Portobello, Port Chalmers and across Otago Harbour
Cross Otago Harbour in style and comfort with a ferry transfer on Port To Port Cruises & Wildlife Tours' boat MV Sootychaser. Whether you're visiting cafes, picnicking at Back Beach, visiting local sites or just want to go for a cruise, catching the ferry is a great way to get you where you need to go.
The MV Sootychaser offers exceptional viewing opportunities where you can enjoy seeing wildlife on your ferry. The boat can quickly and safely transport people across the harbour, and is fully equipped with a heated, enclosed cabin, modern bathroom facilities and comfortable seating inside and out.
Ferry & Water Taxi Service
Hop aboard our ferry in Portobello or Port Chalmers and get across the harbour with ease. Our boat can take you between the following locations:
- Portobello
- Port Chalmers
- Carey's Bay Historic Hotel
- Quarantine Island
The ferry between ports typically takes 10 minutes. Tickets are one way only.
Prices are as follows (each way):
- Pricing from $12 per adult and $6 per child.
- Bikes $5-$10 each
Departures From:
Back Beach (Port Chalmers)
- 9:30am *min numbers required
- 12:55pm
- 3:30pm *min numbers required
Portobello (Otago Peninsula)
- 12:35pm *min numbers required
- 3:15pm
- 6:10pm *min numbers required
Carey's Bay or Quarantine Island
- By prior arrangement
Quarantine Island Return Ferry Booking
- Book here for Quarantine Return Ferry
For all other bookings click the Book Now button below:
What can I expect on the ferry between ports?
Your journey
You will meet your friendly skipper on board our warm, comfortable boat, that seats up to 20 people. The ferry between Portobello and Port Chalmers typically takes 10 minutes. During the trip you can informative commentary through our PA system, highlighting main points of interest.
Sightseeing
During the journey, we’ll cruise past various points on the harbour. From the boat, you’ll see Quarantine Island, the historic quarantine station, shipwrecks on the shore and any animals or birds that pop up along the way.
Timetable
Our ferry timetable differs dependent on the season. You can book a ferry transfer between ports or a sightseeing tour to Quarantine Island or Carey's Bay online. There are plenty of waterside cafes, restaurants and pubs for you to visit once arrived, as well as picnic areas, play grounds and gift shops. There are also many nearby bus stops at George Street-Port Chalmers, Carey's Bay and Portobello. See here for the full bus timetable.
Great experience
Our wildlife tour operators go out of our way to ensure you have an amazing experience with us. Check out Trip Advisor and Facebook for reviews from our happy customers. We hope you'll join us soon.
Bus Timetable
See this link for bus timetable to connect with ferry.
(Please book beforehand, to ensure the ferry is running).
Forsyth Barr Stadium Event Ferry
We offer transfers between Steamer Basin, Dunedin to get you to Forsyth Barr Stadium events, and back.
Drop off point is a few minutes of flat, easy walking to the stadium.
Parking is plentiful and free near Steamer Basin so you wont get stuck in the traffic jams.
If you're looking for a great place to have some refreshments before your ferry, try Harbourside Grill Restaurant right next to the departure point.
See here to book and view upcoming ferries and departure times.
Cycle "The Loop"
There are plenty of cycling tracks dotted around both sides of Otago Harbour, including the popular "Loop" track. There are scenic, easy cycles tracks for people wanting to sightsee, or more mountainous tracks great for experienced riders looking for a challenge.
We can take groups of cyclists, up to 10 bikes and their riders at a time aboard our ferry.
You can plan your cycle trip to fit in with scheduled ferry trips on the ferry timetable or contact us for special transfer times.
On board, you can relax and enjoy the harbour scenery, be treated to a mid ride, short harbour tour on route to the other side, before continuing on your cycle journey. With Port To Port Cruises & Wildlife Tours you get a ferry and mini tour all in one.
Our boat is fitted out with custom made bike racks that can cater for electric bikes and mountain bikes.
Bring your own or hire a bike from nearby locations, including Otago Harbour Golf Challenge and Otago Cycle Hire.
Prices range from $5 to $10 per bike.
Electric Bike Hire
Go to the nearby village, harbourside headlands, wetlands to see wild birds or the hidden beach of Allans Beach.eBikes can be hired from our boat shed at Portobello. Places to cycle around the area are plentiful.
You can create a fun day trip by hoping on a ferry from Port Chalmers to Portobello, and hiring an electric bike to explore the area on.
Please note: 2 hours notice is required for hire from the boat shed.
Cost: $70 per person
We look forward to welcoming you aboard and ferrying you across the harbour. For any questions about our ferry, please get in touch with us.
If you would like to know more about our other services, including fully commentated penguin tours, a Dunedin wildlife tour, or private boat hire for groups or parties, please contact us.