Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Overview
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 Canterbury to the rugged coastline of Kaikoura — the perfect place to view New Zealand’s dolphins, seals and birdlife in the wild. With warm wetsuit on, hop aboard your boat and learn from your guide the tricks used to encourage interaction with the graceful and curious dolphins. Dive to the depths below, snorkel over the waves and savor the joy of sharing the dolphins’ natural habitat.
What's Included
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Swim with Dolphins
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Use of snorkel equipment including wet suit
- Local guide
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
What To Expect
Experience one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters on this full-day tour from Christchurch to Kaikōura. Travel along a breathtaking coastal route where mountains meet the sea, before heading offshore for an unforgettable dolphin swim experience.
The highlight of your day is an incredible opportunity to swim with wild dusky dolphins in the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Guided by experienced marine experts, you'll learn about dolphin behaviour and the unique marine ecosystem that makes Kaikōura one of the world's premier wildlife destinations.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating/swimming in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time. Swimming aids/floaties are not permitted.
- Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the Dolphin boats not sail. If due to Dolphin sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers
- Children under 3 years of age are not permitted on the Dolphin Boats
- Swimming with wild dolphins in the open ocean is an exertive activity. We recommend that you are a confident swimmer as sea conditions can be unpredictable and quite changeable. Although it is not essential, previous snorkelling experience is also an advantage.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-2950CLT09
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.70 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura
This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak...
$83
Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating...
$95
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 28 years on the water! Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal...
$95
Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura
You’re going to love how easy it is to kayak in and around the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal. We have...
$83
This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak...
$83
Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998 Celebrating 27 years of operation! 100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours. Family Friendly - operating...
$95
Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 28 years on the water! Exclusive access -New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal...
$95
You’re going to love how easy it is to kayak in and around the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula using the Hobie Mirage Drive Pedal. We have...
$83
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Discover Kaikōura’s world renowned sperm whales & marine life with an unforgettable Whale Watching Flight. From above, you’ll have the ultimate vantage point to admire...
$170
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a...
$103
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura
A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive...
$114
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura
This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak...
$83
Discover Kaikōura’s world renowned sperm whales & marine life with an unforgettable Whale Watching Flight. From above, you’ll have the ultimate vantage point to admire...
$170
Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a...
$103
A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive...
$114
This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak...
$83
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.
- Fur seal colony viewing.
- Swim with Dolphins.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Hotel pickup and drop off.
- Use of snorkel equipment including wet suit.
- Local guide.
- Lunch.
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 Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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 Kaikoura 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
- Fur seal colony viewing
- Swim with Dolphins
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Use of snorkel equipment including wet suit
- Local guide
- Lunch
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating/swimming in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time. Swimming aids/floaties are not permitted.
- Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the Dolphin boats not sail. If due to Dolphin sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers
- Children under 3 years of age are not permitted on the Dolphin Boats
- Swimming with wild dolphins in the open ocean is an exertive activity. We recommend that you are a confident swimmer as sea conditions can be unpredictable and quite changeable. Although it is not essential, previous snorkelling experience is also an advantage.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers
