Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, limited to only 12 swimmers per trip, and immerse yourself in the wonder of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Each tour is guided by a knowledgeable Nature Guide and Skipper aboard our specially designed vessel, which offers an informative commentary of the harbour while highlighting wildlife conservation efforts in the region. You’ll have the chance to swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to ancient volcanic cliffs, and observe New Zealand fur seals alongside various marine bird species.

Please Note: This is a nature-based experience with wild dolphins in their natural environment. While our crew has a high success rate, swims are not guaranteed and no refunds are given for unsuccessful swims. Read more about this policy below.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children Swimmers between 8yrs and 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.

Children between 13yrs and 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult spectator.

Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 120 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. You can either drive yourself or catch one of the shuttles, which operate daily between Christchurch city center and Akaroa.

Life Jackets are NOT permitted and if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.

Minimum age for a child to Swim with Dolphins is 8yrs and to join as a spectator 4yrs

Final Check in time is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time

If you have Asthma/Allergies please know you are required to have your inhaler/EpiPen with you

Please reconfirm your reservation the day prior so weather updates can be given.

All swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 50 metres unaided and be confident swimming in open sea conditions as we operate in waters between 15-30 metres deep.

All medical conditions need to be declared as this product may not be suitable due to injuries or recent surgeries.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Digital Photos - subject to sea conditions

3.5 hours Including suiting up/showers (2.5 hrs out on the water)

Final Check in is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time

Wetsuit, boots and optional mask (for those swimming)

Hot Chocolate & biscuit

Hot Shower Facilities

Includes live commentary from your Skipper and Guide

What To Expect

Our most intimate dolphin experience in Akaroa, only 90 minutes from Christchurch. Swim with Hector’s dolphins and view other wildlife such as the NZ fur seal in this all-inclusive 3.5-hour tour. With a maximum of 12 swimmers, you’ll enjoy a personalised excursion led by our experienced skipper and nature guide. Begin at Akaroa’s main wharf, meet fellow adventurers, and gear up with provided wetsuits. After a safety briefing, step aboard a once-in-a-lifetime journey to explore Akaroa Harbour’s wildlife, stunning landscape and swim with the Hector's dolphin. Respecting wildlife is our priority, and your guide will offer insights on conservation. A portion of your ticket supports the Department of Conservation. Included: 5mm high-quality wetsuit, optional mask, hot chocolate, biscuits post-swim and hot showers. Dolphin Promise: Our guides have a high success rate at finding Hector’s dolphins. If you don’t see them, enjoy a free Akaroa Nature Cruise to return another time.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Dolphin Swim

3.5 hour dolphin swim in Akaroa including wetsuit, mask and snorkel hire. Not recommended for children aged under 8 years

Reviews

4.50

262 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

201

Worth it even without the swim
David S,
Feb 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Sometimes, you have to be in the 5%. On our tour, the dolphins didn’t cooperate, but the staff onshore and the crew were great. We did see dolphins, they were just playing hard to get, do we didn’t get to swim. We did get a lovely tour of the coast outside the harbor and a couple of close-up views of baby fur seals. We also got a voucher for another swim, with no expiration.
nice staff, with lots of...
Stephanie C,
Feb 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
nice staff, with lots of effort to try to help us to find the dolphins. Although we didnt swim eventually, we did watch 20-30 dolphins. Sadly the swimming didnt work but hope next time will do
Dolphin No Swim
Angela T,
Feb 23, 2025
- Viator
1.00
Unfortunately we dressed in very uncomfortable wet suits, rode around and never were able to get in the water. We saw a couple of dolphins but they said it wasn’t enough to get in and swim. Pretty scenery though. They gave us a certificate for another time but we like most people were visiting so will never get to use it.
Great trip - highly recommend
Heather J,
Feb 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Fab trip, great staff - thanks to Elijah and Will for a great tour. Lots of dolphins and information.
Up to you
Karen G,
Jan 9, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Everyone who worked for the tour company was very friendly and made you feel welcomed. They were on time and had very nice facilities and equipment. The boat was comfortable. The tour company was great. I will try to share the experience with no opinion so you can decide for yourself if swimming with dolphins is for you. If you have ever swam with dolphins in Hawaii, Bimini or anywhere, where you have fins on and the dolphins are playfully and curious, this is not like that. These dolphins we were told are the smallest in the world and shy. So different types of dolphins. You receive a very nice wetsuit to keep you warm. They are buoyant and you feel comfortable in the water but not made to really swim. But is perfect for the activity for you float with your head above water and hope the dolphins approach you and pop up above water so you can see them. You have the option of a mask but is not recommended for the visibility is poor so can’t see much in the water. We did not get too many dolphins close but they are wild animals so would vary on their mood and day. I only went once so would not know how they regularly interact. They did enjoy kids the most and they are very cute.