Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Overview
Explore the coastal town of Akaroa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins on this full day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the breathtaking New Zealand countryside to Akaroa and admire sights of interest such as Governor’s Bay and Lake Ellesmere on route. Cruise into the harbour with your guide and watch the waves for marine life. Strap on your snorkel and flippers and swim with elegant Hector’s dolphins in the wild. Enjoy free time to explore Akaroa, then visit a local cheese factory for a tasting session.
What's Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Cheese tasting at Barry's Bay
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Wet suit hire
- Live commentary on board
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
What To Expect
Discover volcanic landscapes and breathtaking scenery on New Zealand’s South Island on this 9 hour Akaroa day trip from Christchurch. Take in top attractions including Governor’s Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth with your guide. Ascend the Banks Peninsula for beautiful views over Akaroa Harbour and the volcanic crater. Then, sample locally made cheeses and admire colonial architecture around Akaroa. Then enjoy the opportunity to swim with the rare and endangered Hector Dolphins. Prior to your swim you will be equipped with wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers. On locating a pod of Hector Dolphins you will enter the water to swim with one of the rarest dolphins in the world, this species of dolphins being found only in the waters around the southern half of the South Island of New Zealand.
Hotel pickup and drop-off by coach included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be 8 years and over to swim with the Dolphins
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the water and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- Minimum 4 adults required before tour can operate
- Must be able to swim, you will be floating in the water (ocean) and will be required to swim to and from the boat – distances up to 50 metres (150 feet) at a time. You will not be able to touch the bottom.
- Life Jackets and Floaters are not permitted.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-2950CLT09A
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.28 out of 5 stars based on 29 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...
$214
Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North...
$283
Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a...
$275
Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...
$341
Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...
$214
Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North...
$283
Embark on an unforgettable sea kayaking adventure in the stunning Lyttelton Harbour, where breathtaking coastal scenery and rich maritime history await you. Whether you’re a...
$275
Nestled at the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana), Arthur’s Pass is steeped in history. Home of the world’s only...
$341
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see,...
$42
Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide...
$24
Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park...
$114
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake...
$158
The International Antarctic Centre transports a slice of this astounding continent to Christchurch, with a range of immersive experiences that allow everyday visitors to see,...
$42
Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on our newly extended track & enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. Drivers provide...
$24
Fly high above Christchurch on New Zealand's longest & highest Zipline. Set on 358 private hectares in Christchurch’s stunning Port Hills, the Christchurch Adventure Park...
$114
Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo Tour. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake...
$158
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
If 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- 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.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Cheese tasting at Barry's Bay.
- Use of Snorkelling equipment.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Wet suit hire.
- Live commentary on board.
- Food and drinks, unless specified.
- Gratuities.
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 Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch 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
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Cheese tasting at Barry's Bay
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Wet suit hire
- Live commentary on board
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be 8 years and over to swim with the Dolphins
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the water and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- Minimum 4 adults required before tour can operate
- Must be able to swim, you will be floating in the water (ocean) and will be required to swim to and from the boat – distances up to 50 metres (150 feet) at a time. You will not be able to touch the bottom.
- Life Jackets and Floaters are not permitted.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
