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

Pierre from France wrote on 14 December 2019

Hyper déçus

Pas de chance, impossible de nager avec les dauphins le jour où nous l’avons fait. Nous avons juste aperçu quelques dauphins à travers les bâches du bateau... hyper déçus... conscients que cela dépend des dauphins et on ne peut pas les forcer (et fort heureusement !!!) mais j’estime que nous aurions dû obtenir un remboursement de 50% du montant comme précisé lors de la réservation, car je n’ai, à mon sens, pas « vu » les dauphins... Dommage...

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Sophie Chenavier from France wrote on 08 January 2019

Pas a la hauteur

Nous avons réservé 4 jours à l'avance et ils ont oublié de nous noter pour le tour.. Ils nous ont dit qu'on avait de la chance qu'ils nous accepte alors qu'ils étaient plein ! Alors qu'ils avaient bien pensé à prendre l'argent par contre. On a vu des dauphins mais on a pas nager avec car ils ont séparé notre groupe en 2 bateau et l'autre à nager avec les dauphins 2 fois mais nous ne pouvions pas rester au même endroit... En positif la skipper Kate était vraiment adorable !

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Juliane Tapin from France wrote on 26 November 2018

Un rêve pour beaucoup !

Excellent rapport qualité/prix Les dauphins auront été au rendez-vous malgré le temps. Un super souvenir à jamais gravé dans ma mémoire. On redevient enfant le temps d'une journée à s'émerveiller de voir ces superbes mammifères nager tout autour de soi ! Encore la tête dans les étoiles !!!!

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Marine from France wrote on 08 August 2018

Fantastique

Une expérience fantastique que je conseille vivement! Nous étions seulement trois à bord du bateau et dans l'eau! Les dauphins étaient vraiment très proches (parfois moins de 30 cm! Attention de ne pas les toucher car leur peau est trop sensible!) L'équipe est très amicale. Au retour sur le bateau pour ne pas avoir froid nous avons eu droit a la douche chaude, aux chaufferettes pour les mains, au chocolat chaud ainsi qu'à des biscuits! Ayant vu des phoques près des falaises ils ont même fait un détour pour nous les montrer. Le soir même nous avons eu les photos que nous avons pu montrer a notre entourage. Je conseille vivement cette expérience qui n'est pas "attrape touriste" comme on pourrait le croire! Encore merci aux deux skippers!

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Dam's from France wrote on 26 October 2017

Une matinée super!

Tous c'est très bien passé cette matinée, nous avons pu nager avec les dauphins ! J'ai juste un petit regret bsur le matériel prêté ( masque et tuba), le guide dis qu'il sont d'aucune utilité car l'eau est trop troubles je ne suis pas de cette avis car on voyait à au moins 5 mètres. Par contre ils sont presque d'aucune utilité vue la qualité, le masque est constamment plein de buée ( j'aurai vraiment du prendre le miens). Sinon c'était génial !!!

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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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