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2.5 hour Seal Swim - Kaikoura
Experience the thrill of swimming with wild New Zealand Fur Seals on this 2.5-hour adventure along the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula!
Experience the thrill of swimming with wild New Zealand Fur Seals on this 2.5-hour adventure along the stunning Kaikōura Peninsula!
Highlights
- Swim with New Zealand Fur Seals in their natural habitat
- Soak up the stunning views of the Kaikōura Peninsula and ranges
- Spend up to an hour in the water in the colonies
- Full-length wetsuit provided for the swim
- Rely on local guides that are happy to share their love of the area
Seal Swim Kaikōura’s friendly family team, guiding visitors since 1987, will take you on a short boat ride across pristine bays framed by dramatic cliffs and the rugged Kaikōura Ranges.
Once anchored in the sheltered waters, the adventure begins as you slip into the water with your full-length wetsuit and spend up to an hour snorkelling in the seals' untouched natural habitat. Their flips, dives, and inquisitive nature make this one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters, leaving guests with a real connection to these fun-loving creatures and their beautiful environment.
With expert guidance to help build confidence, the tour is perfect for both first-timers and seasoned snorkellers. Recognised with numerous awards and even featured on the Getaway Travel Show, this is a truly unique New Zealand experience and an absolute must-do for anyone visiting the South Island!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$139.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$127.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
- Adult$159.00
- Child$129.00
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support
- emergencySwimming with the seals was an unforgettable experience (15 people said this).
- emergencyThe guides were knowledgeable and friendly, making the trip enjoyable (10 people said this).
- emergencyThe scenery along the Kaikōura Peninsula was breathtaking (12 people said this).
- emergencyMany loved the chance to see the seals up close in their natural habitat (14 people said this).
- emergencyThe wetsuits kept everyone warm and comfortable during the swim (8 people said this).
- emergencyOverall, the experience was well-organized and fun for all ages (9 people said this).
- star_shineBring a camera for some epic photos
Arrive early to enjoy the beautiful views before your swim
Showing all 217 authenticated Bookme reviews
yjjcoolcool from Singapore wrote on 27 December 2025
Amazing Care by the Team
We really enjoyed the experience and I am particularly impressed by how well the team cared for us and went out of their way to provide the best experience for us. Before the trip, we were told that the morning session had to be called off due to bad weather, and if we were not so lucky that day and couldn't see the seals up close, we would be given a partial refund. It shows that you guys put our experience as the top priority and I highly respect that! Throughout the trip, the team ensured our well-being and safety, assisting us with any discomfort. They frequently checked in on everyone to see if we saw any seals up close and helped guide us to areas with a higher chance of seals swimming. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kaikōura. I've also heard from the team that hot showers are being installed soon!
mukeshv from New Zealand wrote on 18 May 2021
Fantastic
Really nice people. Will highly recommend.
Varun Thomas from New Zealand wrote on 16 May 2021
Awesome
Awesome experience
Anna from New Zealand wrote on 26 April 2021
Loved the seal swim
Despite the frigid water we had an amazing time. Big seals swimming next to us, young seals swimming under and around us. Lovely family run company. We will definitely do it again though in summer next time!
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amys27 from New Zealand wrote on 11 January 2026
Fantastic experience
My husband, myself and my daughter went on this trip together. The guides were very friendly, helpful and provided great gear for the swim. It was a very short drive and boat ride to the swimming spot. We swam for an hour and saw so many seals all around us. They were super cute and interactive. The three of us all thoroughly enjoyed or time there. I highly recommend this experience and I'd happily do it again.