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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

icon 3 hours Mobile ticket Free Cancellation
Tickets from € 113.46

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Make a date with with Black Cat to meet the worlds smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins only on Akaroa Harbour. There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with wild Hector's dolphins, also known as the New Zealand Dolphin, and that is the beautiful destination of Akaroa Harbour. With only 12 swimmers per vessel this is an intimate wildlife experience. During your briefing and instruction you will learn how to interact responsibly with Hector’s dolphins and what to expect prior to your water adventure. Then don your provided wetsuit and mask and slip into the blue waters to observe these magnificent marine mammals up close. After your dolphin swim, you can warm up quickly in the heated cabin and enjoy a warm hot chocolate and biscuit onboard, followed by a hot shower when back at the wharf. There is an option to join this experience as a spectator of the swim experience. This option to watch is only available when booking and travelling with a swimmer.
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  • 3-hours Including suiting up/showers (2 hrs out on the water)
  • Final Check in is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time
  • Includes a full, live commentary from skipper
  • Hot Chocolate & biscuit
  • Hot Shower Facilities
  • Wetsuit and mask (for those swimming)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure Point

Akaroa, Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch 7520, New Zealand Departure Point: Akaroa's main wharf Dates: 1st October through to 30th April Return point: Cruise returns to original point of departure

Return Details

Akaroa, Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch 7520, New Zealand Departure Point: Akaroa's main wharf Dates: 1st October through to 30th April Return point: Cruise returns to original point of departure

  • Akaroa Harbour, Canterbury, New Zealand
    Akaroa Harbour is a sheltered harbour, a flooded crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs. With a group limit of 12 people per vessel, the Akaroa swimming with dolphins tour means it will be an even more intimate experience. The 3-hour dolphin tour is very popular due to the limited number of passengers permitted per departure. Book now to avoid disappointment. You will be guaranteed a safe and memorable dolphin swim. Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - If you see dolphins but for some reason do not get to swim with them, then receive a part refund. 50% refund if no dolphins are found and a 25% refund if dolphins found but you are unable to swim with them. In the last 12 months we saw dolphins on 98% of our cruises and had successful swims on 81%. • All crew are highly trained. This means that you'll get a great briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey. They'll also give you safety instructions to allow you to enjoy your experience. If you are new to snorkeling and use of a wetsuit your crew will be on hand to help you out. • All equipment is provided including wetsuit, masks and snorkel. You only have to bring a swimsuit and a towel. With hot showers available. • The vessel is a heated, covered, jet powered catamaran. It's safer for you and the dolphins because there are no propellers. It's also heated so after your swim you can warm up quickly in the cabin.
  • Akaroa, Akaroa, New Zealand
    The historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Children Swimmers between 8yrs and 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
  • Children between 13yrs and 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult spectator.
  • Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 110 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. You can either drive yourself or catch one of the shuttles, which operate daily between Christchurch city center and Akaroa.
  • Life Jackets are not provided or permitted and if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
  • In the event that you do not have a successful swim a 30% refund will be processed.
  • Minimum age for a child to Swim with Dolphins is 8yrs and to join as a spectator 4yrs
  • Final Check in time is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time
  • If you have Asthma/Allergies please know you are required to have your inhaler/EpiPen with you
  • Please reconfirm your reservation the day prior so weather updates can be given.
  • All medical conditions need to be declared as this product may not be suitable due to injuries or recent surgeries.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
T_Cross2013
23 Mar 2023
We had an amazing time during our dolphin excursion! Sonya at the desk and Thomas our guide on the boat went above and beyond to make the trip unforgettable. We were told going out that the Hectors Dolphins don't usually jump, but saw a pair of them doing leaps in the water. While floating a couple came to check out Jane and circled her once or twice. Highly recommend this for everyone!
Barry F
11 Mar 2023
Lovely friendly staff , explained everything so clearly and professionally Boat was very clean and stable captain and guide were great . Hot Ho late at the end most welcome
Vicki D
08 Mar 2023
We were told that there had been plentiful sightings of dolphins on the morning boat though they hadn’t been able to swim with them and we were offered chance to cancel. We chose to go just in case, so we donned kit and set off. We did spit a few dolphins but not enough to swim with. We were refunded 50% on our return but the boat trip was still worthwhile and we did get to see a few Hectors dolphins (plus some other wildlife - seals and albatrosses). Shame not to swim but great experience from start to finish.
This tour in Akaroa is organized by Black Cat Cruises

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We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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