Dolphin Encounter®, pioneered dolphin swimming in Kaikoura New Zealand in 1989/90 and have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, truly a 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 Information
Open Ocean Experience:
You must realise that this tour is an open ocean experience and in order to swim with the dolphins you should be confident in the open ocean and it is an advantage to have had previous snorkelling experience.
Season and Tour Times:
Tours operate daily and tours have a duration of approximately 3.5 hours. Dolphin location can sometimes mean the tour may be extended.
Tour Times:
Summer (Nov-April): 5:30am 8:30am 12:30pm
Winter (May-October): 8:30am 12:30pm
Report Times:
Please note that report times can vary from those specified above. Please ensure you check your report time when confirming your booking details.
Concessions:
Group concessions with DIRECT BOOKINGS ONLY
Charters:
Private charters are available by prior arrangement.
Age Policy:
In order to swim with the dolphins, children must be 8 years or older. The minimum age for children watching the dolphins is 5 years.
Please Note: Adverse sea conditions can result in these age limits being changed prior to tour departure.
Seasickness:
The Dolphin Encounter tour is an open ocean experience and even with the help of medication there is no guarantee against seasickness. Note: Seasickness is not a reason to seek a refund for the tour.
Medication:
For those suffering from motion sickness we advise that you purchase seasickness medication and take this before your tour. Please check the opening hours of the Kaikoura Pharmacy if you are wishing to purchase seasick tablets from there.
Things to Bring:
Warm clothing and camera. Swimsuit, towel and gear bag (to take clothing on the boat) for those swimming with the dolphins. Note: Towels are available for hire from the Encounter Kaikoura reservations desk.
Minimum Numbers:
In order to operate, all tours are subject to minimum passenger numbers.
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.
Reservations:
For those wishing to swim with the dolphins, it is essential that reservations be made well in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
Reservations can be made at:
Encounter Kaikoura, 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura or:
Phone: 03-3196777 Freephone: 0800 733 365
Email: info@dolphin.co.nz
Online: www.dolphin.co.nz
Dolphin Encounter operates marine mammal tours permitted by the Department of Conservation.
Encounter Cafe
Encounter Kaikoura boasts an on-site (fully licenced) cafe with great coffee, beautiful food and breathtaking views. Cafe Encounter is open for breakfast, lunch and casual dining throughout the day. So why not come in before or after your tour to sample some fantastic quisine.
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. For further information see visit this site: Regulations
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