Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa | La Vacanza Travel

Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa

Duration: 3 hours
Destination: New Zealand, Canterbury, Akaroa
from
165.14

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  • 3 hours
  • Akaroa
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

Make a date with with Black Cat to meet the worlds smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins only on Akaroa Harbour. There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with wild Hector's dolphins, also known as the New Zealand Dolphin, and that is the beautiful destination of Akaroa Harbour.

With only 12 swimmers per vessel this is an intimate wildlife experience. During your briefing and instruction you will learn how to interact responsibly with Hector’s dolphins and what to expect prior to your water adventure. Then don your provided wetsuit and mask and slip into the blue waters to observe these magnificent marine mammals up close.

After your dolphin swim, you can warm up quickly in the heated cabin and enjoy a warm hot chocolate and biscuit onboard, followed by a hot shower when back at the wharf.

There is an option to join this experience as a spectator of the swim experience. This option to watch is only available when booking and travelling with a swimmer.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Akaroa Harbour, Canterbury, New Zealand

Akaroa Harbour is a sheltered harbour, a flooded crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs. With a group limit of 12 people per vessel, the Akaroa swimming with dolphins tour means it will be an even more intimate experience.

The 3-hour dolphin tour is very popular due to the limited number of passengers permitted per departure. Book now to avoid disappointment.

You will be guaranteed a safe and memorable dolphin swim.

Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - If you see dolphins but for some reason do not get to swim with them, then receive a part refund. 50% refund if no dolphins are found and a 25% refund if dolphins found but you are unable to swim with them. In the last 12 months we saw dolphins on 98% of our cruises and had successful swims on 81%.
• All crew are highly trained. This means that you'll get a great briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey. They'll also give you safety instructions to allow you to enjoy your experience. If you are new to snorkeling and use of a wetsuit your crew will be on hand to help you out.
• All equipment is provided including wetsuit, masks and snorkel. You only have to bring a swimsuit and a towel. With hot showers available.
• The vessel is a heated, covered, jet powered catamaran. It's safer for you and the dolphins because there are no propellers. It's also heated so after your swim you can warm up quickly in the cabin.

Stop At: Akaroa, Akaroa, Canterbury Region, South Island

The historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch.

Inclusions
  • 3-hours Including suiting up/showers (2 hrs out on the water)
  • Wetsuit and mask (for those swimming)
  • Hot Chocolate & biscuit
  • Includes a full, live commentary from skipper
  • Hot Shower Facilities
  • Final Check in is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time

Exclusions
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Children Swimmers between 8yrs and 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
  • Children between 13yrs and 17yrs must be accompanied by an adult spectator.
  • Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 110 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. You can either drive yourself or catch one of the shuttles, which operate daily between Christchurch city center and Akaroa.
  • Life Jackets are not provided or permitted and if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
  • In the event that you do not have a successful swim a 30% refund will be processed.
  • Minimum age for a child to Swim with Dolphins is 8yrs and to join as a spectator 4yrs
  • Final Check in time is 15 minutes prior to Tour Time
  • If you have Asthma/Allergies please know you are required to have your inhaler/EpiPen with you
  • Please reconfirm your reservation the day prior so weather updates can be given.
  • All medical conditions need to be declared as this product may not be suitable due to injuries or recent surgeries.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Departure Point

1: Akaroa, Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch 7520, New Zealand
2: Akaroa, Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch 7520, New Zealand


Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

3 hours


User's Reviews

Z7816NLstephanier

25 Apr, 2024

Friendly staff who looked after us well and answered all of our questions. They worked hard to make sure we had a good experience! Loved our experience swimming with the dolphins.

castiron135

02 Apr, 2024

Fantastic Crew with attention to detail. They take care of customers while teaching and protecting Hector’s Dolphins

nickwC2353UM

01 Apr, 2024

The whole experience was excellent from seamless check-in, excellent equipment, great crew (big shout out to Chris and Nicole 👏) and a very professional outfit.

gabbybisschops

29 Mar, 2024

Such a fantastic cruise. The staff were so friendly and kind. They really care about the animals and the nature. We didn't get to swim with any dolphins but I was so happy to have been able to see them and I love that the company cares about ensuring the dolphins are comfortable before putting people in the water with them rather than just getting people in the water regardless. Despite not swimming we got to see dolphins, seals and a lot of bird life. Would highly recommend.

HackswithRak

24 Mar, 2024

I was booked on the 0930 Dolphin Swim. Black Cat is very professional, setting us up with a briefing, wet suits that fit, complimentary lockers for our belongings and dry bags to take along cameras and phones. We set out to find a playful pod of Hector's dolphins. Black Cat guarantees that if you're not able to swim with the dolphins, they will provide a partial refund. The boat captain, Des, and his assistant, Harriet, were very knowledgeable and ensured the comfort of all participants, including warm blankets, hot chocolate and home made ginger snap cookies. Well worth the experience!

User's Picture Gallery

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This is the real McCoy when it comes to swimming with dolphins

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Incredible experience

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Magical and memorable

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Fun day out

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The Best Day

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Our dreams of swimming with wild dolphins a reality

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Amazing experience! Highly recommend!

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Best excursion of our trip!

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Underwhelming Anticipation

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Not to be missed

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Great experience!

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Wonderful experience

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Once in a life time experience!

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Amazing experience swimming with wild Hector's Dolphins with great guides!

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Great experience loved Swimming with dolphins

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Swimming with the Dolphins on a Sunny Day

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Swimming With the Dolphins

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The best experience possible in Akaroa.

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NO.1 Experience - a must do in beautiful Akaroa!!

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Very BEST experience of our 2 months in New Zealand

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Once in a lifetime experience 🐬

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What a day! Great company and mind blowing experience! A must do if in NZ!

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