Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
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.
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Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
Reviews
2,061 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous Akaroa Dolphins adventure
Voyage47025759757,
Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our morning out on the water with the Akaroa Dolphins team. All the crew were friendly, helpful, informative and made our adventure that much better. We saw so many dolphins, close up and easy to view. We could not recommend this Akaroa highlight more. A fantastic way to see the stunning beauty of the place from a different perspective. Thank Nat, Hannah, Chops and Theo for a brilliant time.
Dolphins and Dogs!
Kari S,
Dec 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our experience! Dave provided a great history of the area and background on the wildlife. He talked with us and other passengers and let 2 boys have a special picture. Hannah and Elsa provided food and drinks and spotted dolphins. Allie curled up next to me at one point, and also did the job of looking for penguins. We appreciate this wonderful experience.
Excelled expectations
VIXEN0000,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A must do! Would highly recommend this tour. New boats, spacious - and we got handed a complimentary glass of wine onboard as we arrived. Not only do you learn so much about Akaroa, the history as well as the geology, but the volcanic rock caves are stunning! So special to dolphins, seals and sea birds immersed in true NZ wilderness. Add that to the wit of the skipper Dave and dog cuddles. What can I say!
Beautiful experience
Jean D,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience. Awesome and friendly crew n board. Knowledgeable skipper who loves what he does. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip seeing hector dolphins and seals.
Must not miss this incredible chance to see lots of wildlife
ClairH1111,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful day out with Dave, Lucy, and Buster. We saw Hector dolphins, seals, penguins, and more! The team was so friendly and helpful. Especially when my husband lost his hat in the water and Dave and Lucy recovered it. The boat was clean and comfortable, the complimentary glass of wine was delicious. We HIGHLY recommend that you don’t miss this incredible trip. 10 out of 10.
Fabulous trip
carolynw548,
Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was great, saw lots of Hectors dolphins, seals, sea birds and the captain and crew were fabulous. Loved Albie the spotter dog too. They gave us hot drinks and home made cookies. A great trip
Great day
K9209STfabianm,
Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice friendly staff on the boat, plus a relaxed atmosphere. Added to this was the good fortune to see the dolphins up close, they have been active on, under and in front of our boat
An absolute must in Akaroa
viktualiar,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked this tour spontaneously and was absolutely thrilled! The crew was very warm and the atmosphere on board was great. We saw a lot of Hector Dolphins, it was a fantastic experience. I can only recommend it to anyone, the captain gives great information about animals and the coast and you really see a lot in time.
A Perfect Day
melaniemS2961HQ,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our boat tour was fantastic from beginning to end! The captain and crew were super friendly and accommodating, provided a drink of your choice and near the end a chocolate chip cookie. :) We saw plenty of Hector's Dolphins, learned about the bay, saw seals, birds, caves. Everything was so scenic and they met every expectation we had.
Would highly recommend
Wanderer34487357127,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great trip. Wasn’t too long and we saw dolphins, seals and a penguin. Commentary was great and staff were attentive and did their jobs well.
From NZ$130.00
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