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Akaroa - Dolphin Swim - Black Cat Cruises

4.6
234
Deals from $125.00 Save $85.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Our most intimate dolphin and wildlife experience in Akaroa, just 90-minutes from Christchurch. The opportunity to Swim with Hector’s dolphins and view marine animals that inhabit the beautiful Akaroa Harbour.

Our most intimate dolphin and wildlife experience in Akaroa, just 90-minutes from Christchurch. The opportunity to Swim with Hector’s dolphins and view marine animals that inhabit the beautiful Akaroa Harbour.

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!

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, limited to only 12 swimmers per trip, and immerse yourself in the wonder of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Each tour is guided by a knowledgeable Nature Guide and Skipper aboard our specially designed vessel, which offers an informative commentary of the harbour while highlighting wildlife conservation efforts in the region. You’ll have the chance to swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to ancient volcanic cliffs, and observe New Zealand fur seals alongside various marine bird species.

Refund Policy:

This is a nature-based experience with wild dolphins in their natural environment. While our crew has a high success rate, swims are not guaranteed and no refunds are given for unsuccessful swims.

In the unlikely event you don't see a Hector's Dolphin, we'll love for you to join us again - you'll recieve an open dated Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise Re-Cruise voucher for another chance to see them.


Adult $210.00 (16+ years)
Child $180.00 (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

  • Minimum age: 8
  • 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, 30 minutes pre swim for introduction and changing into wet suits and 30 minutes post-swim for showering and changing.

Available Bookings from 10 Sep to 23 Sep 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

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Thu 11 Sep
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Sat 13 Sep
Sun 14 Sep
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Tue 23 Sep

  • Adult$210.00
  • Child$180.00

  • Adult$210.00
  • Child$180.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

  • Adult$125.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$125.00

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

234 reviews

Showing all 234 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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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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