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Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa
Akaroa, Canterbury
3 hours
Food & Drink
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On the Water
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Good for Groups
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Family Friendly
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Walking Tours
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Outdoor Exploration
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Conscious
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Excursions
Date
Today
What You Will Do
Make a date with the worlds smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins only on Akaroa Harbour. There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with wild Hector's dolphins, also known as the New Zealand Dolphin, and that is the beautiful destination of Akaroa Harbour.
With only 12 swimmers per vessel this is an intimate wildlife experience. During a briefing and instruction on how to interact responsibly with Hector’s dolphins, learn what to expect prior to your water adventure. Then don your provided wetsuit and mask and slip into the blue waters to observe these magnificent marine mammals up close.
After your dolphin swim, you can warm up quickly in the heated cabin and enjoy a warm beverage and biscuit, available onboard, followed by a hot shower when back at the wharf.
There is an option to join this experience as a spectator of the swim experience. This option to watch is only available when booking and travelling with a swimmer.
With only 12 swimmers per vessel this is an intimate wildlife experience. During a briefing and instruction on how to interact responsibly with Hector’s dolphins, learn what to expect prior to your water adventure. Then don your provided wetsuit and mask and slip into the blue waters to observe these magnificent marine mammals up close.
After your dolphin swim, you can warm up quickly in the heated cabin and enjoy a warm beverage and biscuit, available onboard, followed by a hot shower when back at the wharf.
There is an option to join this experience as a spectator of the swim experience. This option to watch is only available when booking and travelling with a swimmer.
What's Included?
- Hot Beverage
- 3-hours Including suiting up/showers (2 hrs out on the water)
- Includes a full, live commentary from skipper
- Hot Shower Facilities
- Wetsuit and mask (for those swimming)
What's Not Included?
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
Meeting Point
Departure Point: Akaroa's main wharf Dates: 1st October through to 30th April Return point: Cruise returns to original point of departure
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Akaroa Harbour
Akaroa Harbour is a sheltered harbour, a flooded crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs. With a group limit of 12 people per vessel, the Akaroa swimming with dolphins tour means it will be an even more intimate experience. The 3-hour dolphin tour is very popular due to the limited number of passengers permitted per departure. Book now to avoid disappointment. You will be guaranteed a safe and memorable dolphin swim. Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - If you see dolphins but for some reason do not get to swim with them, then receive a part refund. 50% refund if no dolphins are found and a 25% refund if dolphins found but you are unable to swim with them. In the last 12 months we saw dolphins on 98% of our cruises and had successful swims on 81%. • All crew are highly trained. This means that you'll get a great briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey. They'll also give you safety instructions to allow you to enjoy your experience. If you are new to snorkeling and use of a wetsuit your crew will be on hand to help you out. • All equipment is provided including wetsuit, masks and snorkel. You only have to bring a swimsuit and a towel. With hot showers available. • The vessel is a heated, covered, jet powered catamaran. It's safer for you and the dolphins because there are no propellers. It's also heated so after your swim you can warm up quickly in the cabin.
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Additional Information
This tour is independently operated by a third-party provider: Black Cat Cruises.
Itineraries, descriptions, promotional content, and historic information are solely the responsibility of the tour operator and do not represent the views or positions of Marriott International, Inc.
Itineraries, descriptions, promotional content, and historic information are solely the responsibility of the tour operator and do not represent the views or positions of Marriott International, Inc.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not suitable for infants or children under 8
- Children between 8yrs and 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
- Children between 13yrs and 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult watcher.
- Please note to join this activity you need to be able to swim a minimum of 50 meters unaided and be confident in open sea conditions.
- Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 90 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.
- Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - In the event of “partial swim” (dolphins are viewed from the boat but swimmers do not get into the water; or swimmers do not get full interaction while in the water as determined by Black Cat skipper & crew) Black Cat will refund 25% of fare. If no dolphins are seen, Black Cat will refund 50% of fare.
- Life jackets are not provided or used, if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
- You can only book to watch a swim when travelling with a swimmer
Guide Options
- Guide - English
Other Things To Do Nearby
Become a Marriott Bonvoy member
Join Marriott Bonvoy for free and enjoy endless benefits. Travel is better as a member.