- Akaroa Harbour - Akaroa Harbour is a sheltered harbour, a flooded crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs. With a group limit of 12 people per vessel, the Akaroa swimming with dolphins tour means it will be an even more intimate experience.
The 3-hour dolphin tour is very popular due to the limited number of passengers permitted per departure. Book now to avoid disappointment.
You will be guaranteed a safe and memorable dolphin swim.
Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - If you see dolphins but for some reason do not get to swim with them, then receive a part refund. 50% refund if no dolphins are found and a 25% refund if dolphins found but you are unable to swim with them. In the last 12 months we saw dolphins on 98% of our cruises and had successful swims on 81%.
• All crew are highly trained. This means that you’ll get a great briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey. They’ll also give you safety instructions to allow you to enjoy your experience. If you are new to snorkeling and use of a wetsuit your crew will be on hand to help you out.
• All equipment is provided including wetsuit, masks and snorkel. You only have to bring a swimsuit and a towel. With hot showers available.
• The vessel is a heated, covered, jet powered catamaran. It’s safer for you and the dolphins because there are no propellers. It’s also heated so after your swim you can warm up quickly in the cabin.
- Enjoy a 3-hour tour including preparation and a 2-hour aquatic adventure
- Check in 15 minutes before departure to get ready for the tour
- Experience engaging live commentary from the skipper
- Indulge in a hot chocolate and biscuit treat
- Take advantage of the hot shower facilities after the tour
- Wetsuit and mask provided for an immersive swimming experience
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Embark on a rendezvous with the world’s tiniest, most unique, and welcoming dolphins, found exclusively in Akaroa Harbour. The only spot globally where you have a chance to swim alongside wild Hector’s dolphins, also recognised as New Zealand Dolphin, is the appealing location of Akaroa Harbour.
The wildlife interaction is extremely personal with only 12 swimmers allowed per boat. Before dipping into the water, you’ll be briefed about how to responsibly engage with Hector’s dolphins and briefed about what to anticipate on your underwater adventure. We will provide your wetsuit and mask, all you have to do is plunge into the cool waters and enjoy the sight of these extraordinary sea creatures up close.
Post your dolphin interaction, head into the heated cabin to warm up and have a hot chocolate and biscuit onboard. After reaching back to the wharf, you can have a hot shower.
If you want to observe rather than swim, there’s that option too. However, it is only available when booking and accompanying a swimmer.
- Children Swimmers between 8yrs and 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
- Children between 13yrs and 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult spectator.
- Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 110 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. You can either drive yourself or catch one of the shuttles, which operate daily between Christchurch city center and Akaroa.
- Life Jackets are not provided or permitted and if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
- In the event that you do not have a successful swim a 30% refund will be processed.
- Minimum age for a child to Swim with Dolphins is 8yrs and to join as a spectator 4yrs
- Final Check in time is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time
- If you have Asthma/Allergies please know you are required to have your inhaler/EpiPen with you
- Please reconfirm your reservation the day prior so weather updates can be given.
- All medical conditions need to be declared as this product may not be suitable due to injuries or recent surgeries.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
