Water activity

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Water activity

Auckland: Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Likely to sell out

From US$ 102.66 per person

Likely to sell out
Eco-certified

Experience Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour marine eco-safari. Enjoy a guarantee where if you don'ts see any marine mammals, you can take the cruise again for free.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 4.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Wheelchair accessible

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore Auckland’s spectacular Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
  • Experience up-close-and-personal wildlife viewing with marine mammal sightings
  • Make the most of your time in Auckland with an incredibly convenient trip
  • Take in amazing views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf
  • Listen to expert commentary and interact with the marine research scientists
Full description

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran conveniently docked in the heart of Auckland. Set sail on the "Dolphin Explorer" to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water. Enjoy a quick tour past impressive landmarks, such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head/Devonport, and Rangitoto Island. Keep a close look out for Orca and Bottlenose Dolphins that regularly visit the waters close to the city. Then explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Get up-close viewings of whales, dolphins, and sea birds.

The "Dolphin Explorer" is able to get much closer than whale watching operations in other locations. Learn about the fauna via expert commentary from the ship's skipper, gained from 15 years of running trips daily in the area.

Includes
  • 4.5-hour eco-cruise
  • Guide
  • Second cruise if you don't see any marine mammals
  • Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

New Zealand Maritime Museum, 175 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • Please wear warm clothes and bring a showerproof jacket, sun hat and sunscreen, your camera, binoculars, personal medication (if required) and sea-sickness medication (should be taken prior to the trip)
  • This activity is not suitable for heavily pregnant women
  •  Limited wheelchair access is available. Anyone with physical disabilities that require human intervention must be accompanied by a carer or guardian
  •  Children under 5 years old are permitted on the trip only if they are closely supervised by a parent or guardian
  •  A small range of snacks, hot food and drinks are available to purchase on board the boat, including beer and wine. A great range of merchandise is also available, including T-shirts, photo-cards and soft toys
  • In the interest of your safety, the local operator reserves the right to cancel any trip due to wind, weather, or sea conditions
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 170 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Service
    4.4/5
  • Organization
    4.5/5

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Star rating:

Team really friendly and happy to answer your questions and share their knowledge. Plenty of room on the boat and they also have a little cafe providing reasonably priced drinks and snacks Several hours spent in search areas looking for wildlife so good chance of finding something

March 23, 2023

The whole experience was an eye-opener for my family and I. Understand that there is a chance that we may not be able to see any whales, we are still pretty lucky to see schools of dolphins almost everywhere we went! The boat ride was also very educational and the crew were very friendly. It is definitely a must go for folks who enjoy watching marine life or folks who wished to know more about whales, dolphins and even sea birds! You don't have to be a tourist to enjoy the boat ride as it is indeed a whole new experience even for the locals.

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March 23, 2023

A wonderful experience from start to finish. Amazing, caring and friendly customer service. They were very knowledgeable, and there were ample opportunities to learn something new. We went in late June, and saw an amazing amount of dolphins, and a whale. There was food and drink available to purchase on board, and we were provided towels when splashed at the "wet zone" at the front of the boat! I'd recommend bringing very warm and Waterproof clothing and shoes. It especially got more cold as the day went on. Also wouldn't hurt to bring your own binoculars! The more eyes on the water to find wildlife, the better! The team were very careful to not disturb the wildlife too much, and only let the animals come to the boat rather than chase them. This experience is definitely a bucket-list item!

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March 23, 2023

Product ID: 53125