Watching Kaikōura's dusky dolphins has a uniqueness all of its own
The opportunity to join the tour as a watcher provides spectacular viewing of these acrobatic and energised dolphins. The acrobatic leaps and somersaults and the displays of jumps and tail slapping, provide the most incredible dolphin show on earth!
Watchers and swimmers travel on the same boat, so if some of you want to watch and some of you want to swim this is not a problem as you will still be together. It's fascinating to witness the interaction between swimmers and wild dolphins from above too.
The boats are specifically built with optimum viewing in mind and have upstairs decks as well as walk around bows to enable you to capture perfect images of your experience.
Dusky dolphins are renowned for their spectacular acrobatics
We look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Dolphin Encounter Swim
$220.00*
Adult
15 years and upwards
$205.00*
Child
8 years to 14 years inclusive
Dolphin Encounter Watch
$110.00*
Adult
15 years and upwards
$70.00*
Child
3 years to 14 years inclusive (Note: Ages are subject to sea conditions of the day and restrictions can apply)
* (Please note this pricing is valid to 30 September 2023)
Oct & early Nov Dolphin Encounter Tours operate daily at 8.30am.
Mid Nov-Apr Dolphin Encounter Tours operate daily at 8.30am and 12.30pm.
In winter (May-Sept) tours will be scheduled once daily at 10.00am
Find information and tips on how to prepare for your tour.
Caring for Our Natural Environment
We are privileged to have the abundance of marine life here in Kaikoura and we don’t take this for granted. In 2009 we established the Encounter Foundation specifically to support organizations and groups that are actively working on projects that result in improving the health of the natural environment through conservation, education and research.
We donate a portion of each customer fare to the Encounter Foundation to support worthy projects which make an impact on ensuring our environment is preserved and treasured for future generations.
Thank you for enabling us to do this – your support of our business is making a difference in a very positive way.
