Dusky Dolphins - Kaikoura Coast Boat Trip
Dolphin Photographic Opportunities from Boating Acitivity in Kaikoura
Dusky Dolphin Encounter Swimming with Dolphins Kaikoura
View of Dolphins at the Bow Kaikoura

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

Dolphin Encounter Swim with and watch Kaikoura's Dolphins
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4.7 / 5 (1711)

Dolphin Encounter - Swim with or watch Kaikoura's Dusky Dolphins

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 acrobatic dolphin species.

From

NZ$115

per person

3.5 hours

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

Highlights

  • Kaikoura is among the best locations in the world to encounter interact with wild dusky dolphins

  • Dusky dolphins are regarded as the most acrobatic and curious of all dolphin species

  • Pod sizes vary depending on the time of year but can sometimes range from 50-1000 dolphins

  • Tours operate daily and all year round, weather permitting, except for Christmas Day

  • Swimmer numbers are limited to 16 passengers per boat so advance booking is recommended

Visit

Full Description

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 beautiful, the dusky dolphins are the superstars 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 ha...

Includes

GoPros and accessories available for hire

Complimentary information pack

All equipment supplied for swimming with the dolphins

Prescription masks available on request

Meeting Point

The meeting point for all tours is the Encounter Kaikoura operating base located at 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura 

Additional Information

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 are available for purchase.

All passengers should bring warm clothing, sunscreen, 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.

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.

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.

Terms
Whilst there is an exceptionally high success rate, working with wildlife and nature, tour success is not guaranteed. In the event that a tour is not fully successful a partial refund will apply.

Sea sickness is not grounds for seeking a refund.

Our Products/Services

From

NZ$115

per person

3.5 hours

On Request: Confirmed within 48 hours, or fully refunded.

WishList   Add to wishlist

96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand, 7300
Dolphin Encounter - Watching the Dusky Dolphins

Dolphin Encounter - Watching the Dusky Dolphins

Passengers joining the tour to watch the dolphins travel on the same boat as the swimmers, but do not have the option to...Show More
Adult: $115
Child: $75
(3 - 14 years)
Not suitable for Infants.
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Dolphin Encounter - Swim with the Dusky Dolphins

Dolphin Encounter - Swim with the Dusky Dolphins

The opportunity to snorkel alongside wild dusky dolphins in the open ocean. Operating on the dolphins' terms, this ethic...Show More
Adult: $230
(15+ years)
Child: $215
(8 - 14 years)
Not suitable for Infants.
Duration: 3.5 Hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own camera and Gopro?

Yes, you can bring your own camera or GoPro to capture the experience.

Are there restroom facilities on the boat?

Yes, all vessels used for the tour are equipped with onboard facilities, including toilets and deck showers. 

Are there health restrictions for participating in the swim?

Yes, there are: 
Participants must be at least 8 years old to swim with the dolphins.
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart problems, respiratory issues, or other serious health concerns, may be restricted from participating in the swim.
While previous snorkeling experience is not mandatory, a basic level of swimming ability is required to safely participate in the swim.

What should I bring?

Swimmers should bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a small bag for their clothing, which will be taken on board the boat. Swimwear and towels are available to rent, and bags are available for purchase if needed. All passengers should also bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and a bottle of water.

Is there a minimum number of travelers required, and what happens if it isn’t met?

Yes, a minimum number of travelers is required. If the minimum isn’t met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date, an alternative experience, or a full refund.
 

What is your cancellation policy?

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

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.
 

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