Dolphin Encounter

We have long known that dolphins are friendly creatures that spend their lifetime, usually in groups known as pods, in the open ocean. Dolphin Encounter®, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, a truly unique experience. Our tours have two options, watching (viewing) or swimming. Both these options occur on the same boats, they are not separate tours.

Watching:

The opportunity to go out and watch the dusky dolphins from our boats, gives visitors wonderful views of these spectacular and acrobatic dolphins. As well as this, there is the opportunity to witness any interaction between the dolphins and swimmers, who are also on the same boat.

Swimming:

The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting. It is this fact that sets our operation apart; our success rate of swimming with dolphins is second to none.

General Info:

• Tours have a total duration of approximately three to three and a half hours and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour.
• On our dolphin tours you are sometimes lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins.
• Our boats are fitted with hot deck showers and toilets for passenger comfort and have covered areas for protection against the elements.
• Things to bring on the tour are a swimsuit and towel (if swimming), gear bag, warm clothing and camera.
• Due to the seasonal nature of our operation we have heavy demand for our tours throughout the busy tourist season - November to April. It is recommended that bookings be made well in advance during this period.
• We do not accept children under the age of 5 years on our tours without prior consultation. See our Terms & Conditions .
• Because this is an open ocean experience the age limit for children participating in the swimming with dolphins activity is 8 years of age. See Terms & Conditions.
• All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided and although snorkeling experience is not a requirement, we remind you that this is an open water experience where a variety of sea conditions can be encountered. Therefore previous snorkeling knowledge is a definite advantage.
• Dolphin Encounter operates under a permit system under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation. We have our own code of practice so that our operation with the dolphins causes the least possible disturbance to the activities of these wonderful creatures.
• All Tours are subject to minimum passenger requirements to operate
• Encounter Kaikoura boasts an on-site cafe with great coffee, beautiful food and breathtaking views. Cafe Encounter is open for breakfast, lunch and casual dining throughout the day. The cafe is fully licenced, so why not pop in and sample some local beers and wines, our homemade baking and other tasty treats before or after your tour.

Tour Times:

Summer Season - November to April
Tours operate three times per day, weather permitting, at 5.30am, 8.30am and 12.30pm.

***Due to the extension of Daylight Savings, tour times will be adjusted to 6.00am, 9.00am and 1.00pm for the period 21 March - 4 April 2010

Winter Season - May to October
Tours operate two times per day, weather permitting, at 8.30am and 12.30pm.

***ENCOUNTER KAIKOURA WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY ON 25TH DECEMBER.

Permits:

All commercial activities involving the taking of passengers to view or swim with marine mammals in New Zealand must have Department of Conservation permits. These permits determine the number of trips per day permissible, the times and duration of tours and the particular marine mammal species allowed to be viewed. In reference to swimming with marine mammals, these permits also determine the number of swimmers allowed in the water at any one time.

All operations with the marine mammals come under the regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act 1992. These regulations govern the behaviour of vessels around marine mammals in New Zealand and cover such things as; no more than 3 vessels within 300 metres of any whale, pod of whales or pod of dolphins; the speed and direction which vessels may approach marine mammals, as well as many other operating conditions. For further information see visit this web url: Regulations

Weather:

Naturally all tours are dependent on suitable sea and weather conditions. Please visit the the New Zealand Metservice website to check for the latest updates.

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