Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance

4.8 / 5 (304)

Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard! Join Bay Explorer for a family-friendly cruise to encounter dolphins, whales, penguins, and other marine wildlife in the Bay of Plenty.

From: NZ$175.00

Per Person

5 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Close-Up Wildlife Encounters: Spot wild dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins up close.
Marine Biologist Onboard: Learn about logging real-time wildlife data for research.
Dual-Deck Vessel Comfort: Enjoy a 360° open top deck and a fully enclosed lower lounge.
Expert Live Commentary: Discover fascinating facts about the Bay of Plenty and marine life.
Licensed Onboard Bar: Relax with cold beers and regional New Zealand wines for purchase.

Full Description

Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise offers an authentic Kiwi experience amidst nature - a tale of human fascination with marine life.

Join us in exploring the ocean's wonders while searching from our spacious 360-degree top deck. We purposely limit passenger numbers for comfort, ensuring a relaxed, personal touch that is ideal for families and couples alike. With wild dolphins swimming right alongside our vessel, it’s the ultimate way to experience a dolphin encounter in Tauranga. Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orcas… even turtles! Every cruise features a dedicated marin...

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Includes

What's included

Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar (Eftpos available)
Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish ect.
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
Photos of a lifetime!

Meeting Point

Please arrive on time (9:30am) as a courtesy to your crew and fellow passengers. Ensure you provide a valid mobile number in case we need to contact you.

Check-In: Breifings 9:30am. Allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Departure: Promply at 10:00 am The boat cannot wait.
Return: Back at the wharf between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm, leaving you the afternoon to explore!

Departure Location:
Waterfront Jetty, 4 Wharf Street, Tauranga 3110 (Corner of Wharf St & The Strand).

How to Find Us:
Walk toward the water at the end of Wharf Street and look for our white kiosk next to the jetty.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 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.

Terms

WELCOME ABOARD: Here are some friendly reminders and details for your booking.

PHONE CONTACT:If you have NOT supplied a current NZ mobile number in your booking...please call or email the day before. Weather or operating conditions can require us to reschedule or cancel.

DEPARTURE: Important Check in at 9.30am on Bay Explorer situated on the waterfront jetty, 4 wharf st. Look for the Kiosk signage. Briefings begin 9:40 you MUST be checked by this time. We cannot wait for late arrivals

PARKING VERY IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE Please allow extra time to find parking, due to Tauranga City Council closing the waterfront carpark.The closest available carpark is at Dive Cresent carpark (1 Dive Crescent). Off-street car parks are free on weekends and public holidays.
Call us if your running late and cannot find parking 021605968. We have one park reserved for customers with limited mobility, please email to arrange

WHAT TO BRING: #bigbluebackyard #bayexplorer .... yussssss dont forget your phones & cameras to show your friends on ... INSTA and FACEY. Warm clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Lunch and snacks.

Quick Notes: If you're prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking a remedy like "Sea Legs" beforehand—make sure to read the label instructions carefully.

Please note that because we are tracking wild animals in their natural environment, tours are non-refundable if dolphins are not encountered.

Can't wait to welcome you on board! – The Bay Explorer Crew

From

NZ$175.00

Per Person

5 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

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4 Wharf Street, Tauranga, New Zealand, 3112

Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Half day - Tauranga departure

Bay Explorer offers you the best dolphin and marine wildlife experience in the Bay of Plenty! New Zealand is #1 on TripAdvisor. Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, where we will showcase the amazing diversity of marine wildlife,...Show More

Duration: 5 Hours

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All payments are held in a separate secure account until the booking date so cancellations and refunds of the ticket price are 100% refundable within the suppliers cancellation policy displayed above.

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You will receive your ticket by email straight away. The activity provider will contact you if there are availability issues so you can arrange a different time or day, or receive a full refund.
In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your spam folder or notify us via email.
You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Bay Explorer vessel can accommodate wheelchairs, but its essential to confirm this in advance, as there are limited spaces available.

Can I bring food, drinks, or alcohol on board?

You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard.

Are life jackets provided during the cruise?

Life jackets are available for safety, but they are not required to be worn during the cruise.

What should I wear and bring for the cruise?

Dress in layers to prepare for variable sea spray and coastal weather, and bring sunscreen and water bottle.

What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the cruise?

Tours are weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, youll be offered a reschedule or a full refund. Most operators confirm the next day or the morning of the cruise.

What should I bring for the tour?

Please bring warm clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Don’t forget your smartphone or camera to capture and share your experience.

When should I check in for the Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise?

Please check in 30 minutes before departure, at 8:30 AM. Allow sufficient time from your accommodation for traffic and parking. The latest departure time is 9:00 AM.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before the activity starts.

Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

From: NZ$175.00

Highlights

Close-Up Wildlife Encounters: Spot wild dolphins, whales, seals, and penguins up close.

Marine Biologist Onboard: Learn about logging real-time wildlife data for research.

Dual-Deck Vessel Comfort: Enjoy a 360° open top deck and a fully enclosed lower lounge.

Expert Live Commentary: Discover fascinating facts about the Bay of Plenty and marine life.

Licensed Onboard Bar: Relax with cold beers and regional New Zealand wines for purchase.

Visit

Full Description

Includes

NZ$175.00

Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Half day - Tauranga departure

Book Your Experience

Traveler Details

Payment Details

NZ Bank Account (Direct Debit)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Can I bring food, drinks, or alcohol on board?

Are life jackets provided during the cruise?

What should I wear and bring for the cruise?

What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the cruise?

What should I bring for the tour?

When should I check in for the Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise?

What is your cancellation policy?

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