Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

Swim with wild Hector’s dolphins on an intimate small-group tour limited to just 12 swimmers. Your 3.5-hour adventure starts at Akaroa’s main wharf, where you’ll meet your skipper and nature guide, change into a high-quality 5mm wetsuit, and get a full briefing at our purpose-built swim facility equipped with changing rooms. Then, step aboard our modern swim boats and explore Akaroa Harbour’s stunning scenery.

You'll then get the opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphin in their natural habitat in Akaroa harbour. Our Nature Guides will brief you on how to swim near the dolphins while respecting their behaviours and to not feed or touch them.

Our Skipper and Nature Guide will also take you on a tour of the harbour.

After the swim, enjoy hot chocolate, biscuits, and hot showers back at base. Our experienced guides have a high success rate locating dolphins and if you don’t see them, you’ll receive a complimentary Akaroa Nature Cruise voucher.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

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 provided or permitted and if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.

In the unlikely event you don't see any dolphins you will receive a voucher for our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise to join us another day.

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 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