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Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.
Highlights
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery around Akaroa Harbour
- Watch dolphins, penguins, fur seals and birds in their natural habitat
- View the stunning volcanic formation of Cathedral Cove
- Relaxing cruise aboard our comfortable catamaran
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin – the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Cruise past Akaroa’s dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife, all while gaining insight into the area’s rich natural and cultural history.
Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, you’ll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroa’s wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hector’s dolphins, and explore how we can all contribute to their thriving future for generations to come.
Dolphins are sighted on 95% of our trips, if you do not see dolphins, we will give you a voucher to go again another day. Voted one of the top 101 things to do in New Zealand by local New Zealanders!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$95.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$42.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$109.00
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
- Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
- Child$45.00
- Infant Free of Charge
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience.
Showing all 1329 authenticated Bookme reviews
Camila Palma from New Zealand wrote on 26 November 2025
Akaroa harbour cruise
Beautiful experience 😍 we saw a plenty of dolphins 💙 high recommended!
yifann from New Zealand wrote on 10 November 2025
Absolutely worth the money
Very friendly stuff and very well organized guided cruise. We were very lucky to see dolphins playing, fur seal (even saw one diving!), an albatross and a penguin swimming in the sea, some cute jelly fish as well. It is also good to know that part of the charge is going to research body etc for future protection on the dolphins, which wasn’t stated on the website but if I were able to know this there would have been no hesitation on booking it. We had a great time with black cat cruise. 5 star highly recommended
Aisha Khan from New Zealand wrote on 25 November 2025
Did not see any dolphin
Unfortunately we did not see any dolphins on our cruise time. The sea was rough as well. Got to see seals and good views. Not worth the money spent, 4 of us went.
Hine Miller from New Zealand wrote on 12 November 2025
dont reccomend
not worth it at all
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canyingl from New Zealand wrote on 12 December 2025
Unforgettable memories for my family
Two years ago, my brother and I took a cruise here and had such a wonderful time that we knew we had to return when my parents visited. We chose the same cruise, confident it would deliver another great experience—and it exceeded all expectations. This time, we boarded at 3:30 in the late afternoon on a stunning day. Almost immediately, the trip felt magical as we were greeted by several playful dolphins in many places and even a seal swimming alongside the boat. As before, the crew was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, sharing engaging tours filled with local history and entertaining stories. But what truly set this trip apart was the extraordinary care shown by the staff. After we had departed, my mum’s sun hat blew off and disappeared into the ocean. To our complete surprise, the captain and team turned the boat around to retrieve it from the water! She was absolutely delighted. That hat is now destined for a place on the wall—a perfect reminder of a unique experience and the exceptional service that made it unforgettable. We couldn’t recommend this cruise more highly.