Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
Overview
At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife!
When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew.
We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business.
*Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
What's Included
- Homemade cookie (family recipe)
- Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)
- Knowledgeable local skipper and guide
- Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)
- Transport to Akaroa
Meeting Location
65 Beach Road
Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are legally authorized to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are proud to be one of only two year-round operators in Akaroa Harbour with this permit, so we encourage you to choose responsibly.
Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on our luxury catamaran in Akaroa Harbour, a hotspot for Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. While we can't guarantee sightings as the animals are wild, we have a high success rate. If you don't see dolphins, cruise with us again for free. Our friendly check-in team, skippers, onboard guides, and expert dolphin-spotting dogs equipped with life-vests will ensure an unforgettable experience.
As a conservation measure, we do not swim with the dolphins.
To redeem a voucher, promotion code, or Top10 membership card, please contact us directly via phone or email. We cannot offer discounts after a booking has been made online.
Please note, check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- We do not swim with the dolphins
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-173250P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 2,231 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
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As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour 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.
- Homemade cookie (family recipe).
- Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option).
- Knowledgeable local skipper and guide.
- Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons).
- Transport to Akaroa.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Homemade cookie (family recipe)
- Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)
- Knowledgeable local skipper and guide
- Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)
- Transport to Akaroa
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- We do not swim with the dolphins
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
