Overview
Available languages
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
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.
Options
Akaroa Dolphins 2~Hour Cruise
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,244 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An experience worth doing
Melitadean,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Lucky enough to spot Hectors dolphins.
Excellent
Trip18059126018,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great experience on this Harbour cruise. All of the staff were very friendly & accommodating. The Captain was very knowledgeable of the whole area & also kept you informed of what he was doing with the boat when we went out passed the Heads. We saw all the wildlife there was to see in the area, Penguins, Dolphins & Seals. Would highly recommend this cruise to anyone wanting to take a look around the Akaroa harbour.
Stunning Dolphins Trip
Wanderer48100242614,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great commentary by Mathew on a stunning day which we were fortunate to see Penguins, seals and of course the Dolphins. Topped it off with a wine,beer and cookies from Pia
Stunning day
Flyer37476361236,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matt, the skipper, was great. He gave a very informative history of Akaroa, geography and wildlife. Saw White Flippered Penguins, seal pups, various birds too. No dolphins, so I returned the next day to do it again. Still no luck, but what a day. It got a bit wobbly as we neared the entrance to the harbour, and Matt and Hannah and Pia, were constantly checking on the passengers wellbeing. Recommended.
Worthwhile excursion
565allisonf,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff (captain/tour guide and assistant) were great-friendly, helpful and informative. We saw dolphins, seals, and an albatross, as well as geologic and historic features of the coast. The boat was clean and comfortable. I would recommend seasick medicine before my next trip, but I'd definitely go out again.
Amazing Akaroa Experience
ThommyDeeTruths,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A simply wonderful experience - we were fortunate enough to see whales, dolphins, seals and albatross. Definitely recommend. Akaroa is a beautiful seaside town - a must see.
Wonderful!
joeE8034NR,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience. Absolutely thrilled to see the world’s smallest dolphins!! We saw several, close to the boat, and it was so special. The landscape, birds, seals, geography, history, all simply perfect. Choice of tea, coffee, wine, fruit juice on the house was a perfect touch. Biscuit too!! I got the most amazing video of the dolphins! (No still shots this time!)
Great experience!
Eomski,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice boat and very friendly boat staff, including the dog. I appreciate they care about the dolphins and don’t offer swimming. We learned a bit about the Maori history although sometimes it was very hard to hear when outside. Overall great experience and I would recommend.
Fabulous family owned business
R9078PBrebeccas,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff of Akaroa Dolphins made us feel welcome from the start and were super friendly and helpful. I loved the littlest employee, Theo the dog, who took his job so seriously and was unbelievably cute. I liked that the business is family owned and ethical. I do not like tours that allow swimming with dolphins Nd would not support such tours. This one was respectful if the wildlife, cut the engines whenever we saw dolphins and proceeded quietly so as not to disturb them. The glass of wine on arrival was a lovely touch and the delicious cookies were well received. We saw 5 Hector's dolphins, baby fur seals, and bird life. The guide was knowledgeable about the wildlife and the history and geology of the area and I learned a lot! Thank you for a wonderful experience!
A wonderful wild adventure
Helen T,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Now I know what caldera cliffs and caves look like and they are stunningly beautiful.. With lots of inside and outside seats we saw so many seals and dolphins while Louis, the dolphin watcher, dog slept soundly! This is a rare slice of history.. a rare excursion.
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