Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife!

When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew.

We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business.

*Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We do not swim with the dolphins

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are legally authorized to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are proud to be one of only two year-round operators in Akaroa Harbour with this permit, so we encourage you to choose responsibly. Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on our luxury catamaran in Akaroa Harbour, a hotspot for Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. While we can't guarantee sightings as the animals are wild, we have a high success rate. If you don't see dolphins, cruise with us again for free. Our friendly check-in team, skippers, onboard guides, and expert dolphin-spotting dogs equipped with life-vests will ensure an unforgettable experience. As a conservation measure, we do not swim with the dolphins. To redeem a voucher, promotion code, or Top10 membership card, please contact us directly via phone or email. We cannot offer discounts after a booking has been made online. Please note, check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.

What‘s Included

Knowledgeable local skipper and guide

Homemade cookie (family recipe)

Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)

Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)

Transport to Akaroa

Options

Akaroa Dolphins 2~Hour Cruise

Reviews

4.96

2,173 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2106

Definitely worth it!
Dasto888,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fascinating and breathtaking excursion! Crew is kind and helpful. Skipper is sharing his knowledge all the time.
Perfect opportunity to see dolphins in the wild.
rafaelhae,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great experience - we saw several dolphins and seals. Due to it not being the first tour of the day, the skipper new where to search for the dolphins, as he had seen them already on a previous tour. The insight in the animals and also history of Akaroa was also very entertaining. Plus we had perfect weather. All the staff was very professional and kind.
a marvellous day out in this picturesque harbour
lindsaylloyd,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Stunning day on the harbour. Calm seas. We were looked after beautifully by the staff working for Akaroa Dolphins. Excellent commentary throughout our boat trip in the Akaroa harbour. It was lovely to share this experience with our visitors from Canada and so exciting to see some dolphins and seals
Lovely Experience
J9630YIloganh,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The Akaroa Dolphins cruise was one of the highlights of our South Island trip. The boat was beautiful and did not feel over crowded. The staff were incredibly friendly, kind, and proactive to everyone’s needs including getting kids on the boat engaged and pointing out the different sights mentioned by the captain. And of course, the dolphins were absolutely incredible!
An unforgettable event
L4731BVandreash,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great adventure. Excellent Trip. We saw Dolphins, Penguins, a kindergarten of Sea lions and beautiful nature. An excellent team on Board.
Highly recommend
Anne J,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a fun and informative trip. All the crew in the boat were lovely and very hospitable. The commentary was very interesting. We saw dolphins, fur seals, sea birds, and someone got a quick glimpse of a penguin.
You won’t find a better or more caring Akoroa harbour cruise, I’d highly recommend
Debbie M,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This friendly, professional family run outfit is by far your best bet for an excellent Akoroa harbour cruise. We were lucky enough to see dolphins, penguins, seals, many different birds and even an albatross!! The crew were friendly, informative and Albi (the dog) was just gorgeous! This excellent business is ethical, caring and tries to ensure the very best customer experience whilst respecting and maintaining all the wildlife for generations to come. I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent business.
Superb outing on Akaroa Harbour.
Happiness46747071991,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Loved the friendly but professional vibe of the crew. We were lucky to experience getting up close with dolphins, penguins and seals with magnificent scenery to boot. I also love that this is a hands on family business with a happy staff. Albie the dolphin spotting dog is the bonus! A superb outing.
Outstanding. The ride was...
SwagatKumar P,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Outstanding. The ride was smooth with detailed commentary. Complementary drinks and cookies turned out to be extra fun. Captain knew his stuff and where to guide.
Great trip to see NZ dolphins, NZ fur seals and fairy penguins
Coastal691645,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great time. We saw about 20 NZ dolphins, about a dozen NZ fur seals (including little babies), and half a dozen fairy penguins, The skipper gave a good talk about the dolphins, the history of the area, and about the volcano where the cruise take place. Highly recommended. Plus, you get a free drink! (beer/wine/juice/tea/coffee). Note that while you can see NZ fur seals and fairy penguins in Australia, you can't see NZ dolphins (also known as Hector's dolphins) anywhere else in the world.