What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Live your sealy dream

  F5913SBsophiew,,Feb 12, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  This is a one in a lifetime amazing activity ! We saw so many seals ( maybe 30+) and they got really curious and swim back with us. We were a small group of 6 with 2 guides, so the whole activity felt very safe. With thick wetsuit provided, you can hardly feel the water temperature. And waterboards for the average swimmers ! Thank you so much, having the opportunity to swim with seals was a dream and it was perfect thanks to you 😊

• Amazing experience! Great...

  Jeremy L,,Jan 29, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Amazing experience! Great guides, Ryan and Rio were amazing and super knowledgeable! Although we didn't get the see many seals on our first way around (we still got to see some) but the wind was a little to much so they offered to bring us out again for another try tomorrow. Would highly recommend!

• Wonderfull seals

  Yolliezanzi,,Jan 12, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Went on this tour and would highly recommend. Guides are so friendly and animals were gorgeous! Water colder than what we use to haha. But wetsuits works wonders!!! Amazing guys!

  

• Swimming with the seals and a few extra guests

  jenmA8928DI,,Jan 11, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a wonderful experience. Ria and Ryan were excellent guides and captain. The entire team took care to make sure we were properly outfitted with all of the necessary gear before we got onto the boat. We had a nice ride out to the cove and we're given great instructions before getting into the water. Once in the water we to swam to the area where the seals were swimming. We had a surprise during our tour, two orcas surfaced in the cove. The orcas were busy eating rays and ignored our group. Ria made sure that everyone in our group stayed close to her while the orcas were in the area. They left the cove as fast as they had entered. Once the orcas had left the area we proceeded to continue to watch the seals. The seals were just as curious about us as we were about them swimming around us and getting a good look at us with their big curious eyes. They were very active swimming all around us and playing in the water. All we had to do was float and look down into the water and they were right there. It was an incredible experience.

  

  

• Fantastic operator

  Maryannhorne,,Jan 4, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Great operator. In time and full of enthusiasm for what they do. Saw lots of deals and got up and very close - including with babies. Fantastic experience and warmly recommend. Kayaks can go only so far and most seals are in rocks that boats can access. Wetsuits were great quality, as were the instructors. Thank you.

  

  

  

  

• Feed back

  Road44661271103,,Jan 3, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  feed back ? Well very great time and condition i really enjoyed my time over there! i didn't notice any bad point on this day to be honest just good day at snorkeling whit seals whit good crew ! Keep going✌️ seals are very funny and curious creatures they come very close sometimes ! what a good time 😁 Brendan

• Our Seal Swimming Kaikoura experience

  739jesso,,Dec 31, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It was an amazing experience. We saw plenty of seals playing in the water and sitting up on the rocks. From the get go the staff made it a super easy time, with separate, big change rooms, to quick and easy fittings of wetsuit and other gear. It was a short van ride, then boat ride. I recorded the swim on my Garmin Dive watch and we were in the water for about 40 mins and swam about 750m. Keep in mind this is with thick wetsuits and fins on, plus I might of been getting a bit excited and trying to play and keep up with the seals. The group was small and we were able to spread out a bit. Its also not very deep but too deep to stand. I have dived with the seals in South Africa and Sea Lions in Western Australia. What stood out to me about the Kaikoura seals is that although there aren't as many in the water they are much nicer then the South African ones, and more playful the sea lions making this an awesome and funny experience for anyone. For the price this experience is definitely a must do if you have ever thought about it, also if you never have. Kaikoura was my partners favourite destination on our South Island road trip, and he only does experiences like this cause I want too and this tour was a highlight for him. If you've read this whole thing, go ahead and book! P.S be prepared for the cold water.

• Awe-inspiring

  Z1571XLjulieh,,Dec 29, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  It was such an awesome experience! Led by professional, patient, informative guides Ryan and Lucy, we had a spectacular day with heaps of seals. They swam near us and around us and on the rocks. The company fitted us in the day before we were booked due the weather forecast. They were so accommodating, we would recommend this to everyone who feels they can do it! Thank you Kaikōura Seal Swim!!

  

  

• Amazing experience

  Anika F,,Dec 28, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  This was one of the best experiences of our trip to New Zealand! Very well organized and in a pleasantly small group. The welfare of the animals is paramount and it was so much fun to swim with them.

• Highly recommend! A unique experience

  Algeriatours16,,Dec 22, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I truly had a great experience with Ryan and Lizzie They are a highly professional duo who went above and beyond to deliver an outstanding experience. Their dedication and effort were clearly seen and genuinely felt. And being that close to seals was just once in a lifetime experience Highly recommended

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