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Akaroa - Dolphin Swim - Black Cat Cruises

4.6
230
Deals from $169.00 Save $30.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
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)
Spectators $119.00

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 weather or anything else out of your control) 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 10 Nov to 23 Nov 2024

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Sun 10 Nov
Mon 11 Nov
Tue 12 Nov
Wed 13 Nov
Thu 14 Nov
Fri 15 Nov
Sat 16 Nov
Sun 17 Nov
Mon 18 Nov
Tue 19 Nov
Wed 20 Nov
Thu 21 Nov
Fri 22 Nov
Sat 23 Nov

  • Adult$169.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$169.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$169.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$169.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$169.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

  • Adult$179.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$169.00
  • Spectators$119.00

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

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

4.6

230 reviews

Showing all 230 authenticated Bookme reviews

kirstscott from New Zealand wrote on 26 January 2022

Great experience

Was a great morning out in the harbour, the sky was blue and the sea was calm, we did see the dolphins but they didn't want to play with us that day. The crew did their best but a jetski decided to ruin the fun. The staff were amazing and we would try again another time.

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Sofia Nunez from New Zealand wrote on 25 December 2021

Great experience!

It was fun to celebrate Christmas eve swimming with dolphins. The experience was great and I had so much fun. The staff were so good, the service was really great! So helpful and they made sure that everyone is having a great time and at the same time feeling safe. I love their wet suit, it makes you float in the water, you won't struggle to keep your self afloat which is cool! It makes it easier to swim with the dolphins. It was really fun!

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Romain_ from New Zealand wrote on 24 November 2023

Amazing experience!

Amazing experience! Such a memory. Just perfect!

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audreys2 from New Zealand wrote on 10 November 2023

Great experience

Friendly team with knowledge of the place and the wildlife. They made sure there was plenty of time to spend in the water with dolphins, looking out for everyone Hot chocolate and biscuits were a nice touch after the swim. I definitely recommend ! :)

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norelleh1 from New Zealand wrote on 08 November 2023

Akaroa Dolphin Cruise

Ocean swell left me less than confident to swim so staff transferred my ticket to the Dolphin Cruise departing an hour later that day, at no extra cost. Tip: Bring a warm hat/beanie even in summer, if you plan to view from the top deck outside. Staff kindly loaned me a proper windproof jacket. The young skipper was enthusiastic and provided a (nearly) continual commentary, barely stopping for breath. I overheard tourists mention that they did enjoy his commentary though. One brief sighting of a tiny Hector dolphin and a few fur seals. The skipper explained the company ethos of NOT feeding dolphins to lure them and respecting their space, which is fantastic and commendable. Steps to upper deck are narrow and small so non slip footwear is best. Ocean cruising is a great way to de-stress and unwind. I even got my Titanic moment. I'd do this every day if I could! Highly recommended.

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This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

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.

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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.

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