Swim with wild Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand. An intimate wildlife experience with only 12 swimmers per vessel. Warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy a shower after the swim.
Swim with wild Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand. An intimate wildlife experience with only 12 swimmers per vessel. Warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy a shower after the swim.
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Akaroa Harbour - Experience the most intimate dolphin encounter in Akaroa, just 90 minutes from Christchurch. Swim with Hector’s dolphins and observe other wildlife like the NZ fur seal on this comprehensive 3.5-hour tour.
With a limit of 12 swimmers, enjoy a personalized adventure led by our skilled skipper and nature guide.
Start at Akaroa’s main…
- Akaroa Harbour - Experience the most intimate dolphin encounter in Akaroa, just 90 minutes from Christchurch. Swim with Hector’s dolphins and observe other wildlife like the NZ fur seal on this comprehensive 3.5-hour tour.
With a limit of 12 swimmers, enjoy a personalized adventure led by our skilled skipper and nature guide.
Start at Akaroa’s main wharf, meet fellow explorers, and get equipped with provided wetsuits. Following a safety briefing, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to discover Akaroa Harbour’s wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and swim with Hector’s dolphins.
Respecting wildlife is our top priority, and your guide will provide insights on conservation. A portion of your ticket supports the Department of Conservation.
Included: 5mm high-quality wetsuit, optional mask, hot chocolate, biscuits after the swim, and hot showers.
Dolphin Promise: Our guides have a high success rate in locating Hector’s dolphins. If you don’t see them, enjoy a complimentary Akaroa Nature Cruise to return at another time.

- Digital Photos (subject to sea conditions)
- 3.5-hour tour (2.5 hours on water)
- Final check-in 15 minutes before tour
- Wetsuit, boots, optional mask for swimmers
- Hot chocolate & biscuit
- Hot shower facilities
- Live commentary from Skipper and Guide
- Digital Photos (subject to sea conditions)
- 3.5-hour tour (2.5 hours on water)
- Final check-in 15 minutes before tour
- Wetsuit, boots, optional mask for swimmers
- Hot chocolate & biscuit
- Hot shower facilities
- Live commentary from Skipper and Guide
Join us for an unforgettable adventure, limited to just 12 swimmers per excursion, and dive into the magic of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Each tour is led by an experienced Nature Guide and Skipper on our specially crafted vessel, providing insightful commentary on the harbor and emphasizing wildlife…
Join us for an unforgettable adventure, limited to just 12 swimmers per excursion, and dive into the magic of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Each tour is led by an experienced Nature Guide and Skipper on our specially crafted vessel, providing insightful commentary on the harbor and emphasizing wildlife conservation efforts in the area. Participants will have the opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphins, explore ancient volcanic cliffs, and see New Zealand fur seals along with a variety of marine bird species.
Please Note: This is a nature-focused experience with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Although our team boasts a high success rate, swims are not guaranteed and no refunds are issued for unsuccessful swims. Further details on this policy are available below.
- 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 120 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 permitted and if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
- 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 swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 50 metres unaided and be confident swimming in open sea conditions as we operate in waters between 15-30 metres deep.
- Please Note: 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.
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.