Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
123 reviews
Activity provider:
Black Cat Cruises
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Akaroa: Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
123 reviews

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experience that is limited to 12 swimmers with this catamaran trip. Immerse yourself in the wonder of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, Hector’s dolphin.

About this activity

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Duration 3.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Instructor
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
Z
Zoe – Australia

Got to see so many dolphins that came up and swam so close to us. Charlotte and Chris, our guides, were both super knowledgeable and helpful, and made the journey even more fun. The showers after were a great touch and so lovely to get warm after.

5
5 out of 5 stars
J
Jules – United Kingdom

Harry, Charlotte & Thomas were amazing crew , knowledgeable and fun too! Thanks for an amazing trip. We were lucky enough to get to swim with the Hector dolphins, have an albatross chick land about 2 metres from us while we were in the water, see a white flippered penguin and a seal while we were on the boat… all of which we are grateful for!

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Highlights

  • Swim with wild Hector's dolphins, the world's smallest and rarest dolphin
  • Learn how to interact with the dolphins before getting into the water
  • Enjoy an intimate experience with only 12 swimmers per vessel
  • Learn about Akaroa's fascinating historic past from your local skipper

Full description

Your 3.5-hour excursion with a maximum of 12 swimmers will be led by our skipper and a nature guide making every trip an intimate experience. 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.

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.

The Nature Guide will have a camera and will endeavour 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.

Your ticket includes hire of high quality 5mm wet-suit and optional mask, hot chocolate and biscuits to energize you after the swim, a personalized tour of the harbour on your way back to the Akaroa Wharf, and hot showers at the end of the trip. Our skippers and Nature Guides are experienced at finding pods of Hector’s dolphins and enjoy a high success rate - in the unlikely event you don’t get to see the Hector's dolphins you’ll receive a complimentary Akaroa Nature Cruise to join us another time.

Includes

  • Snorkel, booties, gloves, and wetsuit
  • Private male and female changing rooms
  • Onboard toilets
  • Hot showers and lockers
  • Swim guide and swim skipper
  • Engaging and informative commentary
  • Full safety briefing
  • Life jackets or swimming aids

Meeting point

Meet at the Black Cat cruises office. Akaroa is located 90 minutes by car from Christchurch city and Christchurch International Airport.

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Important information

Not allowed

  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  • No life jackets are provided. You must be able to swim and a basic level of fitness is required
  • You will be floating in the water and are required to swim to/ from the boat (distances up to 50m)
  • 45 minutes is the max time allowed with dolphins as permitted by the New Zealand Department of Conservation
  • Children must be 8 or older and those between 8 to 12 years must be accompanied by an adult swimmer
  • You must declare any medical conditions which may limit your participation
  • You will need some knowledge of English to understand the safety instructions and emergency procedures. If you do not speak English, you should be able to read and understand the foreign language safety instructions and be confident that you can communicate with the crew using pre-agreed hand signals in the event of an emergency
  • When booking, add on an ‘observer’ ticket if you are travelling with a swimmer. If no one in your party is swimming, book the 'Akaroa Harbor 2-Hour Nature Cruise' instead

From $126 per person

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.3 /5
4.3 out of 5 stars

based on 123 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Customer photos

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5
5 out of 5 stars
Z
Zoe – AustraliaMarch 2, 2025 – Verified booking
Got to see so many dolphins that came up and swam so close to us. Charlotte and Chris, our guides, were both super knowledgeable and helpful, and made the journey even more fun. The showers after were a great touch and so lovely to get warm after.
5
5 out of 5 stars
J
Jules – United KingdomDecember 25, 2024 – Verified booking
Harry, Charlotte & Thomas were amazing crew , knowledgeable and fun too! Thanks for an amazing trip. We were lucky enough to get to swim with the Hector dolphins, have an albatross chick land about 2 metres from us while we were in the water, see a white flippered penguin and a seal while we were on the boat… all of which we are grateful for!
5
5 out of 5 stars
T
Travis – United StatesApril 9, 2024 – Verified booking
Nicole and Drex (captain) were great. Unfortunately we didn’t get to swim with any dolphins (they are wild after all), but we saw a dozen or so and it was beautiful seeing the coastline from the water. The guides kept us entertained and were extremely knowledgeable. At the end of it all they gave us a discount because we didn’t get to swim with any, but would absolutely do it again.

Product ID: 180026

Activity provider:
Black Cat Cruises

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