Amazing experience
I had an amazing experience, would definitely recommend!
Akaroa Day Tour with Dolphin Swimming
- 10 hours
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Highlights
- Swim with the world's smallest and rarest dolphins in their natural ocean habitat.
- Guided by experienced marine specialists in a safe, respectful environment.
- Observe abundant coastal wildlife including seals, penguins, and seabirds.
- Full-day tour from Christchurch with scenic coastal drive.
- Stop at Barry's Bay Cheese Factory on return.
Tour Overview
Experience one of New Zealand's most extraordinary wildlife encounters — swimming with Hector's dolphins in the clear waters of Akaroa Harbour. Hector's dolphins are found only in New Zealand and are among the rarest marine dolphins in the world.
Experience the natural beauty, unique wildlife, and rich heritage of Banks Peninsula on this unforgettable full-day tour. Swim with dolphins in the sheltered waters of Akaroa Harbour and explore the charming French-inspired township.
Your day begins with pick-up from your central city Christchurch accommodation between 8:15am and 8:45am. Travel across Banks Peninsula to Akaroa, enjoying scenic stops along the way.
Arrive in Akaroa and enjoy free time to explore the township before boarding your dolphin swim vessel. Don your wetsuit and snorkel and enter the harbour to swim with Hector's dolphins.
Return to Christchurch arriving at approximately 5:30pm.
Swimming Requirements: The Akaroa Harbour is home to the rare Hector's dolphin. Participants must be confident swimmers. All equipment is provided.
What to Expect
Your day begins with pick-up from your central city Christchurch accommodation. Travel across Banks Peninsula to Akaroa Harbour.
Akaroa is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim alongside Hector’s dolphins. Enter the calm harbour waters and experience the thrill of observing these playful and curious dolphins.
Guided by experienced marine specialists, the encounter is conducted with care and respect for both the dolphins and their environment.
While on the water, keep watch for little blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals, and a variety of seabirds.
On the return journey to Christchurch, stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory to enjoy a tasting of locally produced artisan cheeses.
Arrive back in Christchurch at approximately 5:30pm, with drop-off at a central city location.
Included
- Return transport from Christchurch
- Central Christchurch accommodation pick-up and drop-off
- Dolphin swimming experience
- Wetsuit and snorkel provided
- Free time in Akaroa township
Not Included
- Lunch and refreshments
- Personal purchases
Meeting & Pickup
Please advise where you are staying in Christchurch, and we'll arrange a suitable pickup from a central city location
Additional Information
Participants must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Swimwear must be worn underneath the wetsuit.
Participants must be confident swimmers.
Wildlife encounters are not guaranteed.
Tours operate weather and sea conditions permitting.
Guest reviews
Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 verified travellers
5.0
4 reviews
Must Do
I left my wallet on the tour bus (100% my fault) and I was carrying a lot of cash so I was pretty worried when I lost it, but they found it and made sure to meet up with me before I flew out. Beyond the great service the price is unbeatable and our driver was so nice, and we had a great ride to akaroa. Then we got checked into our dolphin swim for the afternoon and had plenty of time to walk around, shop, and grab lunch. Our dolphin swim was one of the most amazing things ever! We swam with around 30 dolphins which was so cool! This company is definitely the way to go for tours and swimming with dolphins is a must do for christchurch!
Amazing!
A group of 8 of us came as we were independently traveling as we are studying abroad! We booked the dolphin swim from Christchurch and the ride over was absolutely amazing. The bus driver was very kind and gave a lot of great information! It ended up being that our group was the only on the boat and that made it even more of an awesome experience. Supposedly, we got super lucky! The normal trip sees about 5-6 dolphins that stick around for you to swim with but we ended up seeing 25-30 dolphins and swam with them for the entire 45 minutes! One of the best parts of our trip by far and would recommend to anyone! Staff was very friendly as well!
Awesome tour!
Awesome tour! I was the only one who booked this transfer so I got to talk to the driver and learn even more about the area than usual. Cheese factory stop on the way was neat and we got to taste 4 cheeses. We got to akaroa early so I got extra time in the town to walk to the lighthouse and through the town shops. Lovely small town! The cruise was awesome! We found 3 pods of Hector's dolphins and got to spend a few minutes in the water each time with them. Since they are endangered animals and are completely wild, you cannot touch them. But that makes it even more cool when they feel comfortable enough to swim only about 10 feet from you.
