An up-close experience with New Zealand’s Dusky dolphins. Swim with or watch playful dolphins on an unforgettable wildlife boat tour in Kaikōura!
Kaikōura dolphin tours in one of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins year-round in their natural environment.
It’s just you, the open ocean… and Kaikōura’s wild Dusky Dolphins. One of the most interactive and acrobatic species of dolphin, they’re thrilling to watch and magical to interact with. Here the encounter is all on their terms. With one of the highest success rates in the world, this bucket list experience is one you will never forget!
Kaikōura has a mecca of marine mammals and wildlife set in a stunningly beautiful location.
Dolphin Swimming Kaikōura
Dolphin Encounter was the very first company in New Zealand to develop a swimming with dolphin’s experience over 30 years ago.
We offer a professionally operated tour with your safety and comfort in mind. Our service levels are exceptional, and while “dolphin encountering” with us, you will learn heaps about the dolphins and why it is the responsibility of all of us to cherish and protect the natural environment which is their home.
Large pods of dusky dolphins reside along the coast all year round and these plentiful and graceful dolphins will literally plant a permanent smile on your face from the very first moment you see them. Gentle and delightfully curious, the dusky dolphins will swim with you as you snorkel and try to mimic their movements and graceful manoeuvres.
Kaikoura Dolphin Watch Tour
It is also a fun opportunity to join the tour as a spectator if you don’t think you the swim option is for you. It is top class entertainment and an experience that will keep you smiling with the warmth of special memories for many years to come.
Kaikōura Dolphin Tour Information
- Tours last around 3.5 hours.
- Swimmers and watchers travel on the same tour.
- The equipment we supply includes a full wetsuit, a hood, mask, snorkel, wetsuit, and fins.
- All you need to bring is a swimsuit, a towel, warm clothing, and a small bag which is large enough to take your clothing on board the boat.
- Bring your own drinking water with you too!
- We serve hot beverages on board and ginger cookies (ginger can help with seasickness).
- Swimming spaces are limited to 16 seats per tour but there is no limit on spectating seats.
- Please book swimming in advance to avoid disappointment.
- We hire towels, swimsuits (in case you have forgotten to bring yours!) and we also hire GoPros so you can capture your own underwater images and videos.
- See our group discounts and package deals
Get in touch with us if you have any questions at all and we will respond to you pronto!
Note – tours operate daily, weather permitting, except for Christmas Day.
