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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 23 Dec to 5 Jan 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Mon 23 Dec
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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

232 reviews

Showing all 232 authenticated Bookme reviews

sehee from South Korea wrote on 09 October 2017

헥터스돌핀과 함께 한 짜릿한 오픈워터

죽을만큼 추울것같은 비오는 10월 바다였음에도 7미리 이상 두꺼운 웻수트를 제공해주어 생각보다 춥지않아 바다에 굉장히 오래 있었습니다. 아마도 돌고래보호를 위해 핀을 제공하지 않기때문에 파도치던 오픈워터에서는 스윔보다는 플로팅에 가까운 헤엄이었고 생각보다 짠물을 많이삼켜서 꽤 무서웠네요.. 안경을 쓰시는 분들은 꼭 렌즈나 도수넣은 마스크 따로 꼭 챙기세요.전 안경쓰고 들어가서 파도칠때마다 앞도 안보이고 돌고래도 수면에서 볼수밖에 없어 너무 아쉬웠습니다. 그래도 정말 오래 돌고래들을 만날 수 있었고 바로 돌고래가 친근하게 옆을 지나다니고 엄청 큰 바다새도 머리 바로 위로 멤돌아서 믿기지않은 풍경을 눈에 담아왔네요:-) 전 스쿠버다이빙도하고 수영도 하는데...오픈워터가 이렇게 무서운건지 첨알았어요. 준비 잘하시고 안전한 돌핀스윔하세요♡

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21ktjdt from South Korea wrote on 21 November 2017

신선한 경험이였어요

뉴질랜드에서 할 수 있는 정말 신선한 경험이였습니다. 헥터 돌고래를 직접 눈으로 보고 함께 수영할 수 있다는게 정말 좋았어요. 만약 아이들이 생긴다면 꼭 다시 와보고싶네요. 날씨만 허락한다면 돌고래는 거의 므저건 만날수 있을거 같습니다ㅎㅎ 사진은 직접 찍은 돌고래 동영상 캡쳐본입니다ㅋㅋ

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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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