Right beneath you

Get up close with playful dolphins

Our happy customers

Orca

Discover marine lives

Discover the beauty of Bay of Plenty

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

4.8 / 5 (274)

Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise

Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard!

From: NZ$175.00

Per Person

5 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Close up encounters with Dolphins & other marine wildlife.
Large open sun-deck for viewing sightseeing, plus comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs.
Some of the best variations of harbour views in New Zealand, from busy port to isolated beachs.
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay & Local points of Interest.
Cold beer and chilled regional wines avaliable for purchase on board.

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 wonders of dolphins and more while searching from the spacious top deck. We limit passengers for comfort, ensuring a personal touch, which is ideal for families.

With dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, it’s the best way to see dolphins in Tauranga. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orcas… even turtles!

Our knowledgeable captain and crew share their marine insights through engaging commentary, ensuring you won’t miss a thing! I...

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Includes

Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.

Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish ect.

Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew

Photos of a lifetime!

Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.

Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar (Eftpos available)

Meeting Point

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure time. That is 8:30 am, please allow time from your accommodation for traffic and parking. It's a 9:00 am latest departure for our Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise.

You will return to Tauranga by 1:00 - 2:00 pm, so you will have the rest of the day to explore our beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels!

Please arrive on time as a courtesy to your crew and your fellow passengers. You must provide contact details (including a New Zealand mobile phone number) in case we need to get hold of you.

Bay Explorer departs from the wharf in Tauranga City. (You can find us across the road from the Starbucks cafe). 120 The Strand, Tauranga 311026

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 your Wildlife Cruise to confirm.
Weather or operating conditions can require us to reschedule or cancel. Please also check your inbox/spam for any updates prior to your Wildlife Cruise

DEPARTURE: Important

Check in at 8.30am on Bay Explorer situated on the waterfront wharf, Strand Tauranga. (opposite the Starbucks cafe) Look for the Kiosk signage.
Briefings begin 8:40 you MUST be checked by this time. The boat departs as soon as everyone is aboard. 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, opposite Bobbys Fish and Chip Shop 1 Dive Crescent, near where the road crosses the train tracks. Follow link on maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/zUyWnvszoDVifZ1U9

If you can't find a carpark pull into the turning circle, over the railway line opposite Crown and Badger, and will let you in through the bollards. Call us on 021605968 Off-street car parks are free on weekends and public holidays. We have parking available for customers with wheelchairs or special needs, please email to arrange.

WHAT TO BRING: #bigbluebackyard #bayexplorer .... yussssss dont forget your smart-phones & cameras to show your friends on ... INSTA and FACEY

Warm clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Lunch and snacks.

*If you are unsure of potential sea sickness we recommend using natural or prescribed remedies such as "Sea Legs" for the prevention of motion sickness. You can purchase these from a local pharmacy and are best taken as directed. Please read the instructions carefully*

In the unlikely event we don't see dolphins this is a non refundable.

Thanks, we can't wait to welcome you on-board. Happy travels from the Bay Explorer crew.

From

NZ$175.00

Per Person

5 Hours

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Add to wishlist

120 The Strand, 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

Please wait while we are loading availability for the product!

SeeAndDo.co.nz is a ticketing agent only. We do not provide any activities ourselves but provide a service for New Zealand companies to advertise and sell their products with a secure booking, ticketing and payment platform.

Activity Providers and customers are put in touch immediately upon ticketing with contact details provided for any questions or cancellations.

All Health and Safety requirements and Associated Industry Regulations are the responsibility of the activity provider and vary according to the type of the activity.

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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.

Confirmation:

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.

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