Sightseeing Cruises

Swim with Dolphins Cruise in Akaroa

Tourists on a boat watching dolphins swim in Akaroa Harbor, New Zealand.

Dolphins swimming near a boat during a cruise in Akaroa, New Zealand.

What better way to spend your day than to take a dive with the world’s smallest dolphins in Akaroa Harbour!

Highlights

Embark on a 3-hour long eco cruise aboard a well-equipped modern catamaran.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Akaroa Harbour from the award-winning Black Cat Cruise.
Gear up in your wetsuits & plunge into the water to swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
Interact with Hector's dolphins, the rarest & smallest dolphins in the world!
Relax with a warm shower & a lovely cup of hot chocolate after your natural marine encounter.

Inclusions

3-hour cruise
Expert guide
Swim experience
Onboard toilets
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties & gloves
Private male and female changing rooms
Hot showers and lockers

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Experience

Your swimming adventure begins on board one of the Black Cat Cruises, the only swim boats on the harbour offering covered seating and onboard toilets. The catamaran allows only 12 swimmers per boat, making the experience far more personal. This also increases your chances of a dolphin encounter. Aboard the catamaran, you’ll be given your wet suits & a proper safety briefing by your guide. As you sail the clear blue waters you’ll come across picturesque views of the Akaroa Harbour with stunning volcanic cliffs.

Dolphin Encounter

You then submerge in the water and go on a swim with the world’s smallest dolphins in the world’s largest ocean! The Hector's dolphins are the rarest in the world & found only in the protected coastal waters of New Zealand. You can get up close and admire these beautiful creatures but make sure you do not touch or feed them. With such sensitive skin, a slight touch may bruise or hurt the dolphin. You can swim along as a passive observer of their behaviour their natural environment. Be ready to take incredible pictures on this marine adventure.

A Hot Cuppa

After your encounter with the dolphins in the water, you can enjoy a nice hot shower. Get warm & relax over a delicious cup of hot chocolate with biscuits on the side.

Know Before You Go

Important Information

This experience requires a basic level of fitness & swimming skills.
The minimum age requirement is 8 years old. Children between 8-12 yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
Touching & feeding the dolphins is strictly prohibited.
Participants are required to have a basic knowledge of English to understand safety instructions and emergency procedures.
Please carry your swimming costumes, towels, and sunscreen.

Operating Hours

The operating hours are subject to change. Please check the calendar to see the operating hours on your intended day of visit.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the attraction.
Please arrive at the attraction 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.