Akaroa Dolphins: Small Group Nature Cruise with Local Wine and Homemade Treats
5.0
1,636 Ratings
Akaroa
Join Akaroa Dolphins for a small group nature cruise in Akaroa, New Zealand. Enjoy local wine, homemade treats, and get up close to wildlife. Book now!
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 65 Beach Road - As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are legally authorized to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are proud to be one of only two year-round operators in Akaroa Harbour with this permit, so we encourage you to choose responsibly.

Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on our luxury catamaran in Akaroa Harbour, a hotspot for Hector’s dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. While we can’t guarantee sightings as the animals are wild, we have a high success rate. If you don’t see dolphins, cruise with us again for free. Our friendly check-in team, skippers, onboard guides, and expert dolphin-spotting dogs equipped with life-vests will ensure an unforgettable experience.

As a conservation measure, we do not swim with the dolphins.

To redeem a voucher, promotion code, or Top10 membership card, please contact us directly via phone or email. We cannot offer discounts after a booking has been made online.

Please note, check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.

What's Included
  • Famous home-baked cookies
  • Complimentary New Zealand wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic option
What's Not Included
  • We do not swim with the dolphins.
Additional Information

In essence, we are a family enterprise with our steering team being fifth and sixth generation locals of Banks Peninsula. We work alongside our relatives and a dedicated team focused on providing an unforgettable experience!

To ensure comfort and optimal viewing, we limit the number of passengers per group. This allows you sufficient space to explore the vessel and increases your chances of spotting dolphins without the discomfort of overcrowding. The low-profile design of our boat enables you to get closer to marine life!

Upon embarking our vessel, a complimentary beverage is available for you to choose from a selection of beers, award-winning local wine, or non-alcoholic choices. Additionally, our famous homemade snacks - crafted from our family recipe - is served by our welcoming onboard staff.

The preservation of our harbour’s ecosystem and its inhabitants is our foremost priority. After all, it is the backbone of our operation.

*Ensure to check-in 30 minutes prior to departure, with boarding scheduled 15 minutes before we set sail.

  • We do not swim with the dolphins
Location
65 Beach Road
Beach Road
Check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand. Please note, Akaroa is roughly a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1636 Ratings)
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Robyns1800
Apr 14, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable - Kiwis here, loved the trip. Local family run business with great local knowledge. Very interesting and entertaining. Saw 9 dolphins 🐬, seals and one wee penguin. Yummy homemade biscuits were a nice touch. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenny_s
Apr 13, 2024
Great way to see dolphins - Lovely boat trip. Saw dolphins andxseals. The unexpected complimentary wine and homemade cookie was the icing on the cake!
Review provided by Viator
Aliceann246
Apr 12, 2024
Fantastic cruise - highly recommend! - We loved our tour and would highly recommend it. The staff were so friendly and informative. We saw approx 20 Hector's dolphins, penguin, seals and various birds. We loved Buster the dog and the yummy biscuit ❤️🐬🍪
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bml365
Apr 11, 2024
Fabulous 2hour tour - Exceeded expectations - Fabulous trip, saw many dolphins, entertaining & interesting commentary with personalised genuine friendly service
Review provided by Tripadvisor
597bethp
Apr 10, 2024
Pick this one over the rest! - This family owned business is one of a kind! Our boat captain and first mate Sarah were fantastic! We even got to spend time with their sweet boat dog, Buster! We saw dolphins, sea lions and magical views! The tour offered a complimentary adult beverage and the absolute best service! In fact it was so good it made our whole family want to move here! If you can pick any tour, pick this one!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andr_m760
Apr 10, 2024
amazing experience with hector dolphins - amazing experience, fully enjoyed the hector dolphins. The service on board was excellent, can kindly recommend this trip!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janinegj8730gn
Apr 10, 2024
Lovely cruise, lovely people - Great tour, in a wonderful place. As well as finding the wildlife , they took us all around the harbour with commentary on the local history, and points of interest. The icing on the cake were the complimentary drinks, a cookie, and of course Buster, a friendly working dog who got excited and let the crew know when he heard the dolphins nearby. A very relaxing couple of hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore37582425964
Apr 7, 2024
Dolphins, dogs, just delightful! - We all had the best trip. We saw lots of dolphins which was special. From the first moment we got on board we felt so welcomed. The skipper and crew (and Albie the dog), were friendly, relaxed and had great commentary (not too much) but enough to understand the history of the area. We were very glad that we did this trip. Thanks for a great experience. Sharon
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine_c
Apr 5, 2024
Fun day on the boat - This was a wonderful experience We learned a lot about the aquatic animals and birds in the bay. The captain was great
Review provided by Viator
V3178hialexandraw
Apr 11, 2024
Great dolphin views - Great view of the dolphins, right up alongside the boat. Lovely crew. Good knowledge of the area. Kind to other companies and promoting of other family businesses in the area.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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