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Highlights
- Beautiful volcanic surroundings
- 45 Minutes swimming with the dolphins
- Voted New Zealand's #1 must-do experience
- Encounter rare and playful mammals
- ONLY place in the world to swim with Hector Dolphins
- Hot chocolate and hot showers afterwards
Your Experience
- Inclusions
- Approximately 3 Hour Cruise in the beautiful Akaroa Harbour
- 45 minutes swimming with the dolphins
- Full briefing on dolphin's expected behaviour from dolphin guide
- All equipment is provided including; wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves and a hood if necessary
- Hot showers available for afterwards
- Hot chocolate to warm you up after your swim
- Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Photos are an optional extra and can be purchased on the day
- Highlights
- 2 hour swimming with the dolphins cruise operating between September to April
- Only place in the World you can swim with Hector’s Dolphins
- Listed in the Lonely Planet guide as one of the 'Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in The World'
- Beautiful volcanic surroundings
- *Portion of each ticket goes towards research for Hector’s Dolphins
- Seasons
- The dolphin swim operates all year round
- Location
- Tour departs from Main Wharf, 61 Beach Rd, Akaroa
- Akaroa Harbour is around 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Akaroa Township is a quaint, French inspired seaside village which is very romantic and unique in New Zealand
- What To Bring
- Swimming costume and a towel (During the low season months of May to September we provide dry suits. With a dry suit you can wear normal clothes underneath and remain 100% dry)
- Note you should wear warm clothes suitable for a cool day, so a polar fleece, polypropylene underwear, woollen socks and trousers are recommended. Jeans are not suitable
- Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
*Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
Must Know
- Restriction: All swimmers need to know that they must be confident swimmers in open sea conditions and be able to swim 50 metres unaided
- Restriction: No touch dolphin. These dolphins have extremely sensitive skin and a slight touch may bruise or hurt the dolphin
- Restriction: The minimum age is 8 years old and children should be confident swimmers
- Restriction: Customers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Accessibility: In the unlikely event that customers do not see any dolphins, we offer a 50% refund
- Accessibility: If customers see the dolphins but cannot swim with them, then we offer a 25% refund.
- Weather: The water temperature in Akaroa Harbour ranges from 11C (52F) in the winter to 17C (67F) in the summer
Ticket Delivery
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Cancellation Policy
No Cancellation and Non-refundable
Non-refundable and No Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.
4 answered
Booking FAQs
NIL
No Cancellation and Non-refundable
Non-refundable and No Cancellation
* 11.30am (October to April)
* Duration - 2 hours on the water (plus half an hour before and after)
* Please ensure you arrive 30 minutes prior for check in
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