Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Sail inside the crater of an extinct volcano on a quiet, intimate wildlife cruise with a maximum of 30 guests. This small-group experience offers long, respectful encounters with some of the rarest dolphins in the world, set against dramatic volcanic scenery.
Enjoy a 3-hour eco-friendly sailing adventure aboard a peaceful sailboat, where the absence of engine noise allows close encounters with penguins, seals and albatross in their natural environment. Sail on the Fox II, New Zealand’s oldest ketch, over 100 years old, and be part of living maritime history.
Discover spectacular sea caves, cliffs and waterfalls, then venture into the open Pacific on a safe, serene and unforgettable journey. Low impact, authentic and nature-focused—this is one of New Zealand’s most unique sailing and wildlife experiences.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Akaroa Lighthouse
Built in 1880 and moved to this site in 1980. The original lighthouse from Akaroa Heads.
Akaroa
See Akaroa Harbour and all the animals including Hectors Dolphins, NZ Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins and Albatross
What‘s Included
Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits
Local wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase
Options
Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing
Reviews
83 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely fantastic
bigdog99bc,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic from start to finish a very informative tour, we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, thank you. Would highly recommend
Brilliant Experience!
381dim,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Roy and the crew were great. We learned a lot of interesting information about the area, and saw a variety of wildlife, dolphins, seabirds, seals, and penguins. Highly recommended…worth every cent! P.S. loved the music!
Highly recommended fun & informative trip with Captain Roy
flossc,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful trip with Captain Roy! Informative and fun, we learnt all about the history of Akaroa and indeed NZ. We saw dolphins, seals and a solitary penguin. The dolphins stayed with the boat for ages which was amazing. Highly recommended
Perfect excursion
michaelmB6976SY,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super trip in the best weather. The sailing trip goes around some headlands of the Banks of Peninsula. During the trip, our captain shared exciting details about the nature and history of Akaroa and the surrounding area. But the highlight of course were the Hector dolphins, the Blue Penguins and the seals, which we could all see up close during our tour. All in all a super friendly and competent crew as well as beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
I’d do it again tomorrow in a heartbeat!
CarolHampshire,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic afternoon sail on this wonderful old ketch. Very informative commentary and real close up dolphin encounters. Got all the sails up and enjoyed a true sailing experience
Highly recommended, everyone should put high on their bucket list.
queenbof783,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful Christmas gift from our daughter, the trip, weather, commentary & crew were amazing with historical knowledge and would highly recommend. The Hectors dolphins put on a great show and would do this trip again.
Meet the Dolphins
isabellebK4947AT,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful experience on board the sailboat. We were 4 passengers and the explanations in French!!! We were able to observe dolphins 🐬 as well as sea lions. And the sun was there. To do without hesitation. Thanks.
Great experience aboard the Fox 2
jamesmB5982SN,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great experience doing the tour of the bay on the Fox 2. Very kid friendly and well worth it! The team were really friendly and very informative. We saw lots of dolphins and seals too!
Absolutely AWESOME trip!
melgresty72,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely LOVED sailing on the Fox II yesterday. Roy and the crew make the trip really fun, regardless of the weather! We saw so many gorgeous Hector dolphins and seals. Roy puts music on which seems to attract the dolphins even more. Sailing on the FOX II is a great experience and we really felt we got closer to the dolphins than we would have on other boats. A great afternoon out which our family would totally recommend! 🐬
Nice and cozy
Passenger59713335103,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Even though our journey began with pouring rain, the crew made it nice and cozy. We saw plenty of dolphins and other wildlife, learned some history of the area and had a great experience of sailing on a genuine old sail boat. Thank guys!
From NZ$145.00
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Operated by Fox 2 Sailing Adventures