Itinerary
As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are legally authorized to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are proud to be one of only two year-round operators in Akaroa Harbour with this permit, so we encourage you to choose responsibly.
Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on our luxury catamaran in Akaroa Harbour, a hotspot for Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. While we can't guarantee sightings as the animals are wild, we have a high success rate. If you don't see dolphins, cruise with us again for free. Our friendly check-in team, skippers, onboard guides, and expert dolphin-spotting dogs equipped with life-vests will ensure an unforgettable experience.
As a conservation measure, we do not swim with the dolphins.
To redeem a voucher, promotion code, or Top10 membership card, please contact us directly via phone or email. We cannot offer discounts after a booking has been made online.
Please note, check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Stop At:
• Akaroa Lighthouse, Beach Road, Akaroa, Akaroa New Zealand
• Akaroa, Akaroa, Canterbury Region, South Island
• Banks Peninsula, 575 Summit Road, Christchurch 8081 New Zealand
See Availability.
65 Beach Road, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
2 hours(approx.)
Returns to original departure point
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
We do not swim with the dolphins
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Posted By : Meander23199371541
It was absolutely amazing!!! Such a great experience, excellent crew who shared history with us. Well worth the money. A must when in Akaroa
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Posted On : 2024-05-18
Posted By : Tour11722358189
Absolutely wonderful - so many dolphins - & they are as round & adorable as expected!
The crew were incredibly friendly & knowledgeable & Albie, the dolphin-spotting dog, was gorgeous!
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Posted On : 2024-05-15
Posted By : Road10014658448
The guides and the cruise itself was top notch! Although me and my family got seasick near the end (due to personal factors; the waves were not extreme), the staff were very accommodating, and we are grateful for that. Highly recommended.
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Posted On : 2024-05-14
Posted By : 2units
This trip is always amazing - you see something different each time you go (and I’ve been quite a few times, always take friends & family when they are visiting from the UK)
I love that part of the ticket sales actually go to help conserve the rare Hector’s 🐬 dolphins 😀
You are accompanied by their gorgeous dolphin spotting dogs (my favourite ‘Buster’ doesn’t work at weekends) we had two dogs 🐕 this time we had Albie and a cute little Buster lookalike which was in training.
It’s a nice touch to get a drink on the way out and home baked cookie on the return as well as the entertaining history.
Must give a big shoutout to Arrianne who mans the office in Akaroa, really lovely and super helpful 😀
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Posted On : 2024-05-09
Posted By : Jacqui_H
It was incredible seeing so many Hector's dolphins up close!! We also especially liked having the lovely Buster (dolphin spotting miniature schnauzer dog) helping us spot the dolphins. The landscape is absolutely beautiful in an extinct volcanic crater and was so interesting learning about the area
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Posted On : 2024-05-08
Posted By : Passport59918020088
It was a really enjoyable trip. We were Lucky and could see some dolphins, one penguin and many seals. The explanations through the Crew were interesting and the self-made cookies were delicious. You should do the Trip.
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Posted On : 2024-05-04
Posted By : S4714BCkarenk
Amazing experience!! Went alone &, was fine, wasnt busy on the boat. The staff were so friendly. Got a free drink (i got hot chocolate) & a delicious cookie!! Albie was the dog onboard- so cute. The day was so hot but was freezing out on the water defo bring layers!! We saw hector dolphins, seals, a penguin was magical. We went over to see the volanic formations was just breath-taking. Loved it and highly recommend!!
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Posted On : 2024-05-01
Posted By : Marcelle_B
What a Fantastic interpretive dolphin cruise.You learn a lot about the history of Akaroa,birdlife and hector dolphins.
Crew very friendly and Alby the dog a great calming tool for the kids.Highly recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2024-04-29
Posted By : WSTravelers
What a fun experience, the dogs add so much character to the cruise! We took a 10:15 cruise and enjoyed our time from start to finish. Actually pre-start set the stage for such a wonderful experience. We stopped into their shop on the main street in Akaroa and after talking with their super helpful and kind manager (unfortunately, we never got her name...), we decided to change our booking by a day given the forecast. We were so happy we did, our trip was absolutely perfect. The skipper and first mate were so knowledgeable, personable and helpful. And, oh, the dogs were the absolute best! We saw dolphins, seals, penguins, and the scenery was gorgeous. We learned a lot as well, which is always a good thing! What a fun time, thanks to all, especially the store manager and Albie and Theo for all the laughs.
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Posted On : 2024-04-28
Posted By : Traveler32823631503
Amazing family trip.Joe the skipper was awesome and kind to my kids...Sarah was an awesome host.Well run family business !
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Posted On : 2024-04-27
