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