Akaroa - Dolphin Swim - Black Cat Cruises

4.6
232
Our most intimate dolphin and wildlife experience in Akaroa, just 90-minutes from Christchurch. Swim with Hector’s dolphins and view marine animals that inhabit the beautiful harbour and its extinct volcano!

Our most intimate dolphin and wildlife experience in Akaroa, just 90-minutes from Christchurch. Swim with Hector’s dolphins and view marine animals that inhabit the beautiful harbour and its extinct volcano!

Highlights

  • Swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to New Zealand fur seals and other marine birdlife
  • Rated as one of the ‘Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in The World’ by Lonely Planet!
  • Small group with max 12 swimmers makes every trip an intimate experience
  • Once in a lifetime experience with the world's smallest and rarest dolphin
  • Complimentary refreshments onboard

Swimming with Dolphins - Akaroa, watch the video above!

Step into our world and immerse yourself in New Zealand’s authentic eco-tourism adventure. Cruise through the magnificent Akaroa Harbour and encounter the wild Hector’s dolphins in their natural habitat.

The tour begins at our facility on Akaroa’s main wharf, where you’ll meet fellow adventurers and change into the provided wetsuits. After briefing, step onboard our purpose-built boats and embark on an in-depth journey to get really close to the native wildlife on the Akaroa Harbour.

You'll have the opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to ancient volcanic cliffs to view New Zealand fur seals and other marine birdlife.

As strong advocates and active contributors to conservation, the itinerary is designed to respect the wildlife and our environment. As we navigate the harbour our Skipper and Nature Guide will talk you through Akaroa’s geological features and wildlife conservation - plus guide you on how to encounter the Hector’s dolphins while respecting their natural behaviours. A portion of your ticket will go towards the Department of Conservation’s fund.

Capture memories, and ignite your adventurous spirit!


Refund Policy:

We’re confident that you’ll see the Hector’s Dolphin on our excursions. In the unlikely event you don’t see a Hector’s dolphin, we’ll love for you to join us again – you’ll receive an open dated Akaroa Nature Re-Cruise voucher for another chance to see these magical creatures.

Adult $199.00 (16+ years)
Child $169.00 (8 - 15 years)

What's included

  • Our facilities here on the Main Wharf Akaroa include Briefing Area, spacious and heated Changing Rooms with Hot Showers and Lockers for valuables.
  • Excellent quality wetsuits that are 5mm in thickness.
  • Masks.
  • Hot Chocolate and biscuits on board!
  • Our Nature Guide will have a camera and will endeavor to take photos of you in the ocean (weather permitting), seeing the wildlife and other breathtaking moments worth sharing. You’ll receive a download link from us after your trip.

Duration

  • Allow approximately 3.5 Hours

Location

  • Akaroa Main Wharf
  • Akaroa
  • 7520

Restrictions

  • All swimmers MUST be confident in open Harbour/Sea conditions as the Akaroa Harbour where you will be swimming is between 15 and 30 metres deep.

    All swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 50 metres unaided as life jackets are not provided as your swimming ability and confidence must be of the standard that you do not require a Life Jacket.

    Children are required to be a minimum of 8 years old to swim with dolphins.

    Children aged 8-12 years must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • Duration: Allocate 3.5 hours for your dolphin swim experience. This includes 2.5 hours on the water and an additional hour for preparation, safety briefings, and post-swim relaxation with hot showers.

Available Bookings from 24 Dec to 6 Jan 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

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신선한 경험이였어요 Akaroa Dolphin Cruise Fun and solid Experience Great experience! Love this experience!
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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.6

232 reviews

Showing all 232 authenticated Bookme reviews

Lilly Czeiler from Germany wrote on 07 April 2024

Durften nicht mit den Delfinen schwimmen

An sich war das Personal sehr freundlich und sehr daran interessiert, dass man die Delfine nicht stört (beim Essen, schlafen…) und frei/natürlich leben können. Was aber sehr enttäuschend war: wir durften nicht in das Wasser, obwohl wir das Gefühl hatten, dass es passend gewesen wäre. Wie auch immer würde ich mir für das nächste Mal wünschen, dass es das Angebot gibt ins Wasser zu gehen mit oder ohne Delfine (einfach fürs Erlebnis und wer weiß vielleicht wären sie ja gekommen…). Haben trotzdem einige Delfine vom Nahen sehen können was sehr besonders war:)

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Theresa from Germany wrote on 29 February 2024

Tolle Idee mit Potenzial

Super nette Mitarbeiter, gutes Briefing, gute Gruppengrösser. Leider haben wir nur sehr kurz ein paar Flossen gesehen. Das Wetter war zudem nicht gut. Wir können nur empfehlen, bei schlechtem Wetter die Tour zu verschieben. Ohne wenigstens eine schöne Aussicht ist es einfach deprimierend 2 Stunden durch die Gegend zu fahren und Delfine zu suchen. Ggfs hätte man einfach früher abbrechen müssen, da es in der Situation wenig Freude bereitete. Das Team war aber sehr bemüht und der Refund klappte problemlos. Wenn sich die Delfine zeigen sicher ein tolles Erlebnis.

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Roland Koch from Germany wrote on 24 February 2024

Super Erlebnis, großartige Momente.

Vielen Dank an die Crew, unglaubliches Erlrbnis, sehr gut organisiert und Momente für das Leben. Vielen Dank, sehr zu empfehlen!

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Beate Pietsch from Germany wrote on 05 January 2024

Freiheit der Delfine

Wir haben einige Delfine gesehen und waren auch einmal im Wasser, aber die Delfine konnten selbst entscheiden, ob sie zu uns kommen wollen. Für mich war das wichtig, denn ich möchte die Freiheit der Delfine achten. Da es zu keinem Schwimmen mit Delfinen kam bekamen wir eine Rückzahlung, das finde ich sehr fair.

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miriamk from Germany wrote on 20 February 2020

ok, leider kein Delfin-schwimmen

Tolle Crew, aber die Delfine waren leider nicht in der Laune zu schwimmen! Ich finde es gut, dass die Crew die Delfine nicht mit Futter oder Sounds anlockt, dennoch kam es leider nicht zum schwimmen MIT Delfinen.. schade, vielleicht hat man nächstes Mal mehr Glück ..

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

Adult 16+ years

Child 8 - 15 years

*This option must be made together with another price type.
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