Our experienced crew will be there to guide you

Enjoy an unforgettable dolphin swimming adventure

Get a chance to swim with Hector's dolphin

A boat carrying swimmers

A happy picture of our client enjoying her swimming with dolphin

Make memeories for lifetime

Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 24 hours in advance

4.7 / 5 (1180)

Swimming with Dolphins

Our 3.5-hour Swimming with Dolphins experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim in the wild with the endangered Hector’s dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin. An intimate wildlife experience with a maximum of only 12 swimmers on purpose-built swim boats, you'll be guided by our experienced local crew, including a nature guide, and supported by world-class facilities in picturesque Akaroa.

From: NZ$250.00

Per Person

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Highlights

Swim with the Hector’s dolphin - smallest and rarest in the world
3.5-hour tour (with 2.5 hours on the water in stunning Akaroa Harbour)
Full nature guide commentary
Includes 5mm thick wetsuit, swim mask, hot showers, and hot chocolate
Purpose-built swim boats with a max of only 12 swimmers

Full Description

Make sure you add this to your bucket list! Our 3.5-hour Swimming with Dolphins experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim in the wild with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin. An intimate wildlife experience with a maximum of only 12 swimmers on purpose-built swim boats, you'll be guided by our experienced local crew, including a nature guide, and supported by world-class facilities in picturesque Akaroa.

Dolphin Promise: We’re confident you’ll spot Hector’s dolphins on our excursions. However, in the unlikely event you don’t, we’d be delighted to offer you a complimentary Akaroa Nat...

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Includes

5mm thick wetsuit, swim mask, hot showers, and hot chocolate

Meeting Point

Akaroa Main Wharf (large blue building) - Akaroa

Cancellation policy

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.

Terms

Please arrive at the location 15 mins before the departure time
Latecomers or no-shows can't be refunded
Children aged 8 - 12 must be accompanied by an adult swimmer in the water
Participants must be aged 8 + to swim with dolphins in this activity
You need to be confident in the water and capable to swim at least 50 metres. If you cannot swim you can still join us on the boat as a watcher.
Please be mindful not to feed the marine / wild animals or engage in any activity that may damage the ecosystem.
Dolphin Promise: We’re confident you’ll spot Hector’s dolphins on our excursions. However, in the unlikely event you don’t, we’d be delighted to offer you a complimentary Akaroa Nature Cruise. Our friendly team will provide you with a voucher on the day

From

NZ$250.00

Per Person

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation

Add to wishlist

Akaroa Main Wharf, 7520

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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.
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You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

This experience is currently unavailable for booking.

We’re sorry, but bookings for this experience are not currently available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer to participate?

No, you don’t need to be an expert, but you must be a reasonably confident swimmer.

Are there changing rooms, toilets, or showers on site?

Yes, there are changing rooms with hot showers on site.

Will photos of the dolphin swim be taken and shared afterward?

Yes, nature guides aim to take photos of you in the water, and you can download these afterward.

How close will I get to the dolphins during the swim?

This is a wild swimming experience with wild Hector’s dolphins, so interactions depend on the dolphins’ behavior. Guides are skilled in bringing you close while respecting natural behavior.

Is there any interaction or touching allowed with the dolphins?

No touching or feeding allowed. Hector’s dolphins are wild, sensitive animals so touching may harm them.

What happens if it rains or the bad weather on that day ?

Poor weather means cancellation or rescheduling, with a full refund offered if conditions are unsafe.

How early should I arrive before the departure time?

Please arrive at the location at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What is your cancellation policy?

We offer a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours before the activity starts.

Are children allowed to participate in the activity?

Children aged 8 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult who can swim while in the water to ensure their safety during the activity.

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