Swim with Seals: Kaikoura's Marine Adventure

Dive into the clear waters of the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula and swim alongside wild New Zealand Fur Seals. This unforgettable adventure is a must-do! All necessary gear, including wetsuits, is supplied. Previously recognized as one of the world’s ‘Top 10 Best Marine Encounters’. Seize the opportunity!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kaikoura - Begin your tour at our beachfront venue in the charming coastal town of Kaikoura.
What's Included
  • Local guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Local taxes
  • Half-day tour
Additional Information
  • Check in times can vary slightly so it is essential that you call the day before your tour to verify your check in time and other details. It is also important that you have given us your best contact number and email address so we can contact you if needed. Failure to call the day before to confirm your reservation or failure to report by your…
Location
Gooches Beach Playground
Tours depart from our beach front location on the Esplanade, Kaikoura next to Gooches Beach Playground. This is a 5-minute Drive from the Kaikōura Information Centre, Encounter Kaikoura and the Sumida Hotel.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(279 Ratings)
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F5913sbsophiew
Feb 12, 2026
Live your sealy dream - This is a one in a lifetime amazing activity ! We saw so many seals ( maybe 30+) and they got really curious and swim back with us. We were a small group of 6 with 2 guides, so the whole activity felt very safe. With thick wetsuit provided, you can hardly feel the water temperature. And waterboards for the average swimmers ! Thank you so much, having the opportunity to swim with seals was a dream and it was perfect thanks to you 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeremy_l
Jan 29, 2026
Amazing experience! Great... - Amazing experience! Great guides, Ryan and Rio were amazing and super knowledgeable! Although we didn't get the see many seals on our first way around (we still got to see some) but the wind was a little to much so they offered to bring us out again for another try tomorrow. Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Yolliezanzi
Jan 12, 2026
Wonderfull seals - Went on this tour and would highly recommend. Guides are so friendly and animals were gorgeous! Water colder than what we use to haha. But wetsuits works wonders!!! Amazing guys!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenma8928di
Jan 11, 2026
Swimming with the seals and a few extra guests - We had a wonderful experience. Ria and Ryan were excellent guides and captain. The entire team took care to make sure we were properly outfitted with all of the necessary gear before we got onto the boat. We had a nice ride out to the cove and we're given great instructions before getting into the water. Once in the water we to swam to the area where the seals were swimming. We had a surprise during our tour, two orcas surfaced in the cove. The orcas were busy eating rays and ignored our group. Ria made sure that everyone in our group stayed close to her while the orcas were in the area. They left the cove as fast as they had entered. Once the orcas had left the area we proceeded to continue to watch the seals. The seals were just as curious about us as we were about them swimming around us and getting a good look at us with their big curious eyes. They were very active swimming all around us and playing in the water. All we had to do was float and look down into the water and they were right there. It was an incredible experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maryannhorne
Jan 4, 2026
Fantastic operator - Great operator. In time and full of enthusiasm for what they do. Saw lots of deals and got up and very close - including with babies. Fantastic experience and warmly recommend. Kayaks can go only so far and most seals are in rocks that boats can access. Wetsuits were great quality, as were the instructors. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road44661271103
Jan 3, 2026
Feed back - feed back ? Well very great time and condition i really enjoyed my time over there! i didn't notice any bad point on this day to be honest just good day at snorkeling whit seals whit good crew ! Keep going✌️ seals are very funny and curious creatures they come very close sometimes ! what a good time 😁 Brendan
Review provided by Tripadvisor
739jesso
Dec 31, 2025
Our Seal Swimming Kaikoura experience - It was an amazing experience. We saw plenty of seals playing in the water and sitting up on the rocks. From the get go the staff made it a super easy time, with separate, big change rooms, to quick and easy fittings of wetsuit and other gear. It was a short van ride, then boat ride. I recorded the swim on my Garmin Dive watch and we were in the water for about 40 mins and swam about 750m. Keep in mind this is with thick wetsuits and fins on, plus I might of been getting a bit excited and trying to play and keep up with the seals. The group was small and we were able to spread out a bit. Its also not very deep but too deep to stand. I have dived with the seals in South Africa and Sea Lions in Western Australia. What stood out to me about the Kaikoura seals is that although there aren't as many in the water they are much nicer then the South African ones, and more playful the sea lions making this an awesome and funny experience for anyone. For the price this experience is definitely a must do if you have ever thought about it, also if you never have. Kaikoura was my partners favourite destination on our South Island road trip, and he only does experiences like this cause I want too and this tour was a highlight for him. If you've read this whole thing, go ahead and book! P.S be prepared for the cold water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z1571xljulieh
Dec 29, 2025
Awe-inspiring - It was such an awesome experience! Led by professional, patient, informative guides Ryan and Lucy, we had a spectacular day with heaps of seals. They swam near us and around us and on the rocks. The company fitted us in the day before we were booked due the weather forecast. They were so accommodating, we would recommend this to everyone who feels they can do it! Thank you Kaikōura Seal Swim!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anika_f
Dec 28, 2025
Amazing experience - This was one of the best experiences of our trip to New Zealand! Very well organized and in a pleasantly small group. The welfare of the animals is paramount and it was so much fun to swim with them.
Review provided by Viator
Algeriatours16
Dec 22, 2025
Highly recommend! A unique experience - I truly had a great experience with Ryan and Lizzie They are a highly professional duo who went above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience. Their dedication and effort were clearly seen and genuinely felt. And being that close to seals was just once in a lifetime experience Highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $94
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).