Akaroa

Akaroa Dolphins 〜 Harbour Nature Cruise

Badge of ExcellenceAkaroa, New Zealand
Akaroa Dolphins Harbour Nature Cruises
  • 2 hours
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board .Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.
  • Wildlife harbor cruise in a roomy catamaran
  • Enjoy an included New Zealand beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink
  • Provided home-baked cookies are from a family recipe
  • See the scenic coastline from the water

What's Included

  • A complimentary glass of New Zealand wine, beer or non-alcoholic option
  • One of our famous home-baked cookies
  • We do not swim with the dolphins.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 65 Beach Road, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

    Check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand. Please note, Akaroa is roughly a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Ticket Redemption Point

65 Beach Road, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

What To Expect

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • We do not swim with the dolphins
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • 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 experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Roald_J
We watched lots and lots og dolphins, seals, pinguins etc. - a really good experince. The captain was good at telling historical facts from the store we passed, and small stories from his life. Ariane was a great guide on the tour and took good care of us all. We had such a good time.

Reviews

5.0
1,638 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,638 reviews
Awesome Akaroa dolphin and wilderness cruise
Marcelle_B, Apr 2024
What a Fantastic interpretive dolphin cruise.You learn a lot about the history of Akaroa,birdlife and hector dolphins. Crew very friendly and Alby the dog a great calming tool for the kids.Highly recommend this tour.
What a day
Peter_K, Apr 2024
We had the most amazing day in akaroa The waters where still and the wildlife was everywhere just stunning
A Must Do!
Kimberly_P, Apr 2024
We highly recommend! A well organized experience that was well worth the price. There was some inside seating and some outside seating. Plenty of room for all of the passengers. The captain and his assistant were always full of smiles. We were offered something to drink either right away or on the return. Real glasses and coffee mugs were used - no plastic. We visited at least 3 bays and learned about the history from the captain. We saw multiple groups of Hector's dolphins, a few white flippered penguins, fur seals and a variety of birds. On the way back, we were given a delicious cookie. We have been on many nature cruises and this was one of the best!
Besutiful day
Nancy_L, Apr 2024
Successful trip! We saw dolphins and penguins and seals. Our captain did a magnificent job spending extra time insuring the ultimate experience.
Great way to see dolphins
Jenny_S, Apr 2024
Lovely boat trip. Saw dolphins andxseals. The unexpected complimentary wine and homemade cookie was the icing on the cake!
Fun day on the boat
christine_c, Apr 2024
This was a wonderful experience We learned a lot about the aquatic animals and birds in the bay. The captain was great
Great
Arnon_H, Mar 2024
The skipper knowledge of the area and history and great skill of the boat . Great wine Akaroa bay is beautiful place and the Dolphins cruise was the highlight of our trip,
Enjoyed the dolphin day!
Denise_D, Mar 2024
We were greeted and treated a to a glass of wine . We met the official dolphin spotter Albie(who did a great job) . Hector dolphins were spotted!!! As were blue penguins and seals. We had a beautiful day . Thank you Stew and Crew!
Seeing the dolphins was...
AnneMarie_P, Mar 2024
Seeing the dolphins was magical.Hearing about the history and topography of the area was fascinating, delivered by our very well informed captain.
It was amazing to blues...
ian_V, Mar 2024
It was amazing to blues Anda get up close to so many dolphins in a single 2 hour voyage. The crew were exceptional and the captain totally entertaining and a wealth of knowledge. Highly recommend, even if you have shouted dolphins before. No wonder this adventure cruise is world rated
Roaming Akaroa
MarkJames_S, Mar 2024
Very enjoyable. Dog along was a unique bonus. great staff and facilities on board. Was a lovely experience.
One of our best experiences
Britta_K, Mar 2024
Lots of wildlife, great crew and commentary . Boat size and amount of people on it was just right, not huge and crowded.
Hector dolphins
Barbara_G, Mar 2024
It was fantastic! We saw dolphins penguins and seals! Would definitely do it again . Bring a wind breaker
Best sea life viewing
Carole_P, Mar 2024
Loved the excursion. Well planned and Captain and Sam lived up to previous reviews. Saw dolphins right after we started our trip as well as little penguins and seals. Great narration and answered all our questions. Would highly recommend.
Magical
Lesley_P, Mar 2024
The cruise was wonderful and the crew were very attentive especially lucy who made sure we had a great day
Awesome experience but getting there from Christchurch was frustrating puzzle
Charlotte_M, Mar 2024
Dolphins, seals, birds, a cute dog, good commentary, and a sleepy coastal community. A successful combination! We would have loved even more stories about the history, wildlife, and culture. We struggled to find out how to get to Akaroa. Would have liked an option where transport from Christchurch was included (hint) or at least a link to take us to transportation options. It took awhile to figure out that logistic.
Memorable
Linda_B, Mar 2024
The guides, Sean and Lucia, were excellent. Knowledge, helpful and patient. Scenery is fantastic, helped by perfect paddling weather. I highly recommend, this excursion.
Wonderful day trip from Christchurch
Linda_W, Mar 2024
We loved our cruise in Akaroa! We saw dolphins, seals, and a variety of birds. The weather and scenery were gorgeous. The captain and crew were wonderful (especially the dog, Buster). We would definitely recommend this experience
A worthy experience in Akaroa
Margaret_L, Feb 2024
Informative commentary and scenery was great, timeliness in leaving and ease of access to the boat was great! George and Sarah treated us respectfully.
Dolphins Galore
Susan_S, Feb 2024
Seeing the Dolphins for such a long time. Had a great time. Also saw seals and a Penguin. The crew were very helpful and informative.
...

From $66.83

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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