Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa
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Things to know
About the Activity
Make a date with with Black Cat to meet 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 your briefing and instruction you will learn how to interact responsibly with Hector’s dolphins and 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 hot chocolate and biscuit 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.3 hours
Private Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
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Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
3-hours Including suiting up/showers (2 hrs out on the water)
Final Check in is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time
Includes a full, live commentary from skipper
Hot Chocolate & biscuit
Hot Shower Facilities
Wetsuit and mask (for those swimming)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
More Activities in Akaroa
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
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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. • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
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Akaroa
Akaroa, New ZealandThe historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. • Admission Ticket FreeView LocationMeeting and Pickup
Starting point
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Departure Point: Akaroa's main wharf
Dates: 1st October through to 30th April
Return point: Cruise returns to original point of departureView Location
End point
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Departure Point: Akaroa's main wharf
Dates: 1st October through to 30th April
Return point: Cruise returns to original point of departureView Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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 110 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 event that you do not have a successful swim a 30% refund will be processed.
- 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.
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticket• We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if its cloudy. Bring your camera - there are incredible views! • Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - We see dolphins on nearly every trip (97%). However, sometimes even if we see them, they do not want to interact with swimmers. If we are unable to complete a successful swim, you will be entitled to a 30% refund of your ticket price.Cancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Suplier may cancel the activity on account of bad weather conditions.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Pacific/Auckland time to receive 100% refund.
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Operated by Black Cat CruisesCreated on 01 Jan 2006Created on 02 Jul 2024
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