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Akaroa - Dolphin Swim - Black Cat Cruises

4.6
228
Deals from $189.00 Save $30.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
The only place on the planet, where you can get close to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's Dolphin. Simply rare and unique.

The only place on the planet, where you can get close to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's Dolphin. Simply rare and unique.

Highlights

  • Swim with playful Hector's Dolphins in the Akaroa Harbour
  • Rated as one of the ‘Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in The World’ by Lonely Planet!
  • Once in a lifetime experience with the world's smallest and rarest dolphin
  • Complimentary refreshments onboard

Swimming with Dolphins - Akaroa, watch the video above!

Akaroa Harbour is the only place on the planet where you can get close to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's Dolphin!

These magnificent creatures have made their home base in Akaroa, a stunning French inspired sea-side village just a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The name Akaroa means "long harbour". Join Black Cat Cruises for an unforgettable journey where you’ll get the once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with these dolphins inside the naturally protected harbour, not out in the open seas.

Black Cat Cruises are a supreme tourism award winning company with an excellent safety track record and a portion of every ticket sold goes towards the conservation of the Hector's dolphin. We only allow 12 swimmers in the water at one time allowing greater opportunity for one on one interaction with the dolphins.


Success Rate:

We see dolphins on nearly every trip (97%). However, sometimes even if we see them they do not want to interact with swimmers. If we are unable to complete a successful swim you will be entitled to a 30% refund of your ticket price.

Adult $219.00 (16+ years)
Child $189.00 (8 - 15 years)

What's included

  • Our facilities here on the Main Wharf Akaroa include Briefing Area, spacious and heated Changing Rooms with Hot Showers and Lockers for valuables.
  • Excellent quality wetsuits that are 5mm in thickness.
  • Masks.
  • Hot Chocolate and biscuits on board!

Duration

  • Allow approximately 3 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Akaroa Main Wharf
  • Akaroa
  • 7520

Restrictions

  • All swimmers MUST be confident in open Harbour/Sea conditions as the Akaroa Harbour where you will be swimming is between 15 and 30 metres deep.

    All swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 50 metres unaided as life jackets are not provided as your swimming ability and confidence must be of the standard that you do not require a Life Jacket.

    Children are required to be a minimum of 8 years old to swim with dolphins.

    Children aged 8-12 years must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

  • If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the weather or anything else out of your control) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

  • Duration: Allow approximately 3 hours for the whole experience, this includes half-hour prior for briefing and getting changed into wetsuits at our facilities. 2 hours out on the water which includes travel time prior and post-swim.

Available Bookings from 29 Mar to 11 Apr 2024

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Fri 29 Mar
Sat 30 Mar
Sun 31 Mar
Mon 1 Apr
Tue 2 Apr
Wed 3 Apr
Thu 4 Apr
Fri 5 Apr
Sat 6 Apr
Sun 7 Apr
Mon 8 Apr
Tue 9 Apr
Wed 10 Apr
Thu 11 Apr

  • Adult$189.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$189.00

  • Adult$189.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$189.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.6

228 reviews

Showing all 228 authenticated Bookme reviews

kirstscott from New Zealand wrote on 26 January 2022

Great experience

Was a great morning out in the harbour, the sky was blue and the sea was calm, we did see the dolphins but they didn't want to play with us that day. The crew did their best but a jetski decided to ruin the fun. The staff were amazing and we would try again another time.

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Sofia Nunez from New Zealand wrote on 25 December 2021

Great experience!

It was fun to celebrate Christmas eve swimming with dolphins. The experience was great and I had so much fun. The staff were so good, the service was really great! So helpful and they made sure that everyone is having a great time and at the same time feeling safe. I love their wet suit, it makes you float in the water, you won't struggle to keep your self afloat which is cool! It makes it easier to swim with the dolphins. It was really fun!

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Romain_ from New Zealand wrote on 24 November 2023

Amazing experience!

Amazing experience! Such a memory. Just perfect!

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audreys2 from New Zealand wrote on 10 November 2023

Great experience

Friendly team with knowledge of the place and the wildlife. They made sure there was plenty of time to spend in the water with dolphins, looking out for everyone Hot chocolate and biscuits were a nice touch after the swim. I definitely recommend ! :)

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norelleh1 from New Zealand wrote on 08 November 2023

Akaroa Dolphin Cruise

Ocean swell left me less than confident to swim so staff transferred my ticket to the Dolphin Cruise departing an hour later that day, at no extra cost. Tip: Bring a warm hat/beanie even in summer, if you plan to view from the top deck outside. Staff kindly loaned me a proper windproof jacket. The young skipper was enthusiastic and provided a (nearly) continual commentary, barely stopping for breath. I overheard tourists mention that they did enjoy his commentary though. One brief sighting of a tiny Hector dolphin and a few fur seals. The skipper explained the company ethos of NOT feeding dolphins to lure them and respecting their space, which is fantastic and commendable. Steps to upper deck are narrow and small so non slip footwear is best. Ocean cruising is a great way to de-stress and unwind. I even got my Titanic moment. I'd do this every day if I could! Highly recommended.

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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