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Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

4.9

216

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Get up close and personal to Kaikoura's incredible resident dusky dolphins in their stunning natural environment!

Highlights

Discover wild dusky dolphins in their natural element!
Learn about and enhance your understanding of dolphins
Highest success rate in NZ for locating and viewing dolphins
Amazing photo opportunities from the spacious vessel
A magical experience of a lifetime!

Encounter Kaikoura is a friendly and enthusiastic business dedicated to providing our customers with a magical experience of a lifetime!

We operate picturesque tours along the spectacular Kaikoura coastline and give you the option to swim (please see other booking option)* and interact with wild dusky dolphins or watch their playful acrobatics in the open ocean from the comfort of our boat.

Dolphin Encounter®, pioneered dolphin encounter tours in Kaikoura New Zealand in 1989/90 and have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, providing a truly unique experience!

Tours scheduled daily: We close just one day each year - Christmas Day!

Please note this booking option is for watching only, and although you will be on the same boat as swimmers you will not have the option to swim. If you would like to swim with the dolphins, please check out our swim deals: Kaikoura - Dolphin Swim Tour

Adult $115.00

Child $75.00 (3-14 years)

What's included

Return transfers between the base and harbour
Blankets on-board (for colder months)
Complimentary information pack on return from the tour

Duration

Approximately 3.5 hours (approx 2.5 on the water)

Location

Meeting Location: Encounter Kaikoura at 96 Esplanade

Notes

Check in: Please call the team to reconfirm your booking and tour operation the day prior and to receive your check in time for the following day. Please report to 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura on the day.
Please Note: Return times are not guaranteed.
Child Age is 5 - 14 years. Sea conditions on the day need to be ideal for children to participate on this tour. Children under 5 years are not permitted on this tour. The skipper reserves the right to increase the age limit on the day if they believe the conditions warrant this decision.
Please note: Our tours operate in the open ocean and we are subject to sea conditions and weather on the day of the tour. All tours are also subject to minimum numbers to operate.
Encounter Kaikoura vessels have ample seating and an onboard toilet. There are also blankets on board should these be required in the colder months.

Available Bookings from 22 Dec to 4 Jan 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates

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Sat 4 Jan

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Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

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4.9

216 reviews

Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

Showing all 216 authenticated Bookme reviews

sandie from New Zealand wrote on 11 June 2022

Incredible

Wow! What an amazing experience. This is something everyone needs to experience. Truly magical. Kate was amazing as were all looking after us on board. My grandchildren loved their adventure ❤️

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From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

What a lovely photo! We love inspiring future conservationists! Delighted you and your grandkids had a great time :-)

Phyllis Belworthy from New Zealand wrote on 26 October 2021

Above and beyond

The best experience ever. The staff were absolutely brilliant nothing was too much trouble. They went out of there way to ensure I had the best experience ever. I can not thank them enough. Beautiful fine sunny day, warm with lots of playful dolphins. Definitely recommend them

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From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

Lovely to read your review! Thank you! So glad you had such a great trip! :-)

katemalster from New Zealand wrote on 07 October 2023

Lucked out this trip

This is second tie for me doing this trip. Unfortunately we lucked out seeing anything except a few Hector dolphins. Nice trip on the water neverless and the ladies at the Dolphin Encounter are lovely..another fun trip.

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From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

Thanks Kate - glad you enjoyed your time aboard and seeing the rare wee Hector's dolphins is always so special! :-)

Kerri from New Zealand wrote on 01 February 2023

Kerri pipson

This was an absolutely amazing trip got to see 3 species of dolphin all together I am still buzzing the crew were so lovely would def recommend doing to anyone we will be going again when next up

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From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

Trifactor! Awesome! Thanks so much for your recommendation we appreciate it! :-)

Evelyn Pui from New Zealand wrote on 19 January 2023

Amazing!

Amazing experience watching the hundreds of dolphins swimming around the boat. Knowledgeable and friendly crew

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From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)

Thanks Evelyn stoked you enjoyed your tour! :-)

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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Adult

Child ^* 3-14 years

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

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

Qualmark Gold

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

Qualmark Silver

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

Qualmark Bronze

The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.