What‘s Included

What To Expect

Reviews

• Amazing Coastal Experience

  Tim M,

  Apr 12, 2025

  - Viator

  5.00

  Tony and Moffie are incredible. They knew exactly where to go and how best to maneuver their boat to get up close and personal to the seals, cliffs, caves, and dolphins. They respect the dolphins and don’t chase them, but the dolphins flocked to their boat in part because they slow down but don’t stop, so dolphins are pushed by their boat leading to amazing videos of the dolphins swimming right beneath you. If you want a smaller boat with a more intimate experience with a knowledgeable crew, then book this adventure. You will thank me for it.

• Small boat, small number of people, brilliant

  sh06-CH,

  Mar 29, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It's a small boat, therefore a small number of people. Very personal with lots of great places to sit or stand with good views. We especially love their dolphin policy: no chasing them, let them come to us if they want to. They wanted, and we saw quite a few! But even if we hadn't: great afternoon out with lots of seals and birds and a lovely coastline. 100% recommend!

• Nature lovers paradise.

  P1903TEsueb,

  Mar 17, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Saw lots of wildlife and Tony and Mafi had lots of interesting information to share. Was very friendly and laid back. A wonderful afternoon in a stunning location.

• Grand day out

  O9705MHmarks,

  Mar 16, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Great family day out and even managed to keep the teenagers entertained. Seen lots of different animals, shame the albatross never turned up, but hey ho, we have to leave something for the next time.

• Hector dolphins, seals, birds and amazing landscapes!

  marcelogonzalezuy,

  Mar 7, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Amazing tour, the dolphins literally came to the boat all th time. Lots of fur seals, and the scenery is marvellous. Really informative tour also. Worth the money

• Amazing as usual

  ElisaJulia,

  Mar 3, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  3rd time touring with Coast up Close. We always take our family members when they come to visit as it’s such a great little tour. We saw albatross, fairy penguins, hectors dolphins, seals and plenty of other sea birds. There’s plenty of geographical features that are pointed out on the tour also.

• Wonderful trip, with a fantastic crew

  GMH73,

  Feb 25, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  What can we say about our afternoon cruise out of Akaroa, other than breathtaking. From the moment we boarded with our skippers Tony and Mafi, we couldn’t have wished for better. A smaller boat than some of the neighbouring cruises made for a more personable experience, with our hosts taking a real interest in their guests, sharing their experience and expertise as we cruised around, scanning the clear calm waters for penguins, dolphins and seals, all of which put in an appearance. The smaller boat allowed us to access some intimate bays, wonder at some of the rock formations, and even check out Tony’s crayfish pots. Tony and Mafi’s philosophy is one of respect for the nature we are privileged to encounter and as such always let the dolphins come to you, and come they did, a beautiful site, equalled only by sharing their experience waters with an amazing seal nursery on our return trip, words do not do this justice. Cannot recommended Coast Up Close enough, so do not hesitate booking their trip, it is 2.5 hours of pure joy.

• Highly Recommended

  A5105QUkarenn,

  Feb 19, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Tony, the captain, is very knowledgeable about the coast and the history of the area. His concern for the ocean life is obvious. He went above and beyond to accommodate us. Both he and Marty took a personal interest in each of the passengers. We enjoyed seeing dolphins, seals, various birds, and spectacular rock formations. We highly recommend that you book Coast Up Close.

• We learnt and saw so much on this fabulous afternoon cruise

  africancats,

  Feb 16, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We enjoyed a fabulous afternoon with Tony and Mafi. The knowledge Tony imparted really made the cruise - we learnt and saw so much!

• Excellent experience! 100% recommend.

  ilsep278,

  Feb 13, 2025

  - Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Tony and Mafi were excellent hosts for an amazing tour. Saw dolphins, blue penguins, seals, barracuda, an albatross, and many other sea birds. Loved the historical data, the total respect for the wildlife and the the intimate feel of the tour. Not hard to tell they do it for the love of the area, not the money. 100% recommend. You will love it.