Watching Kaikoura'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.
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Dusky dolphins are renowned for their spectacular acrobatics
What do others say about their encounter?
"Mind-blowing."
"Wow - just WOW!"
"One of the best things I have ever done!"
"Totally unforgettable."
"The highlight of our whole trip to New Zealand."
When you encouter the dolphins, you leave transformed. Share the experience.
Gallery
Photos and videos from previous tours!
Dolphin Conservation
Protect our very special environment.
Fantastic Local Fare
Coffee and dining at our café, right on the waterfront
Guarantee
Kaikoura is renowned for an abundance of wildlife and we do have a very high success rate of locating the dusky dolphins. If for some reason we are not successful in locating the dolphins (due to such things as deteriorating weather conditions) you will receive a refund. All our tours are subject to a minimum operational cost.
Duration
The Dolphin Encounter tours are approximately 3.5 hours duration and the time spent on the ocean will be approximately 2.5 hours.The length of time spent swimming with the dolphins can be up to 30 minutes but this depends on the travel time to the dolphins, the sea conditions of the day and the dolphin behaviour at the time of the tour.
Tours operate daily subject to minimum numbers being met
MAY-SEPTEMBER: 10.00am
OCTOBER/EARLY NOVEMBER: 8.30am
MID NOVEMBER-APRIL: 8.30am & 12.30pm
**Please note our popular high season 5.30am departure is not currently scheduled for Summer 2021/22 due to reduced demand. We look forward to reinstating this in the future!**
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.
