Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance
Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to both view and swim with wild dusky dolphins. With a very high success rate The Dolphin Encounter tour provides a unique opportunity to either swim and interact with wild dolphins whilst snorkelling, or to remain on board and watch the dolphins from the comfort of the boat. The vessels are all purpose built for marine mammal watching with "walk around" decks and access to the bow to enjoy the best views of one of the most accrobatic dolphin species.
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to swim with wild dolphins in the open ocean? Have you wanted to see a pod of dolphins in their natural environment; displaying their acrobatic talent or bow riding at the front of the boat?
Dusky dolphins are superb entertainers and the pods that are found along the Kaikoura coast, all year round, are simply awe-inspiring.
Energized, yet graceful and so beautful, the dusky dolphins are the super stars of the local ocean environment. They are guaranteed to put a lasting smile on your face.
Dolphin Encounter tours have been in existence since the summer of 1989/1990 and have become regarded as a "must do" experience for visitors to Kaikoura. The ocean environment along the Kaikoura Coast supports massive diversity of marine life due to a very deep canyon system close to shore which also stretches for a distance off shore as well. This is one of the key reasons that marine life flourishes here and enables tours to operate with such reliable and consistent sightings.
Operating up to three tours a day, the opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures in the open ocean environment is incredibly unique. The sheer numbers of dolphins can be mind blowing and their acrobatic prowess which includes very high leaps, somersaults, and displays of side slaps and tail slapping, is delightful to see. Watchers and swimmers travel on the same boats so if swimming is the preferred option for some but not others in your group, everyone is able to travel together.
Allow 3.5 hours for this tour. If swimming, previous snorkelling experience is recomended but not essential
Complimentary information pack
Prescription masks available on request
All equipment supplied for swimming with the dolphins
GoPros and accessories available for hire
The meeting point for all tours is the Encounter Kaikoura operating base located at 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura
Swimmers should bring a swimsuit, a towel and a small bag to accommodate their clothing which will be taken on board the boat. Swimwear and towels are available for rent and bags available for purchase.
All passengers should bring warm clothing, sun screen and a bottle of water. Please note - all passengers are required to complete a medical disclaimer via an online check in link prior to the tour.
Full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before activity starts.
Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.
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