Akaroa Dolphins: Small Group Nature Cruise with Local Wine and Homemade Treats
5.0
1,687 Ratings
Akaroa

Join Akaroa Dolphins for a small group nature cruise in Akaroa, New Zealand. Enjoy local wine, homemade treats, and get up close to wildlife. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 65 Beach Road - 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.

What's Included
  • Famous home-baked cookies
  • Complimentary New Zealand wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic option
What's Not Included
  • We do not swim with the dolphins.
Additional Information

In essence, we are a family enterprise with our steering team being fifth and sixth generation locals of Banks Peninsula. We work alongside our relatives and a dedicated team focused on providing an unforgettable experience!

To ensure comfort and optimal viewing, we limit the number of passengers per group. This allows you sufficient space to explore the vessel and increases your chances of spotting dolphins without the discomfort of overcrowding. The low-profile design of our boat enables you to get closer to marine life!

Upon embarking our vessel, a complimentary beverage is available for you to choose from a selection of beers, award-winning local wine, or non-alcoholic choices. Additionally, our famous homemade snacks - crafted from our family recipe - is served by our welcoming onboard staff.

The preservation of our harbour’s ecosystem and its inhabitants is our foremost priority. After all, it is the backbone of our operation.

*Ensure to check-in 30 minutes prior to departure, with boarding scheduled 15 minutes before we set sail.

  • We do not swim with the dolphins
Location
65 Beach Road
Beach Road
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1687 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Melitag41
Aug 16, 2024
The perfect day - Fabulous family day. Wonderful trip, knowledgeable & friendly captain. We saw so much wild life. Thanks for a memorable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour42704771686
Aug 16, 2024
An awesome family trip !! - I booked this trip for all our family members for our yearly family get together. Mixture of all ages. It was a fabulous choice! The boat as comfortable, great boat! The atmosphere was chill, George and Hannah were very welcoming and spoke extensively to everyone, great banter and information! The scenery was amazing and in one cruise we saw all the animals; penguins, seals, dolphins It was a very relaxing trip. Loved it !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
283steved
Aug 13, 2024
Simply amazing!! - Absolutely amazing experience. We saw Dolphins, Penguins and Seals from an extremely comfortable boat with a very welcoming and informative crew. Could not rate this any more highly. Brilliant in every respect.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
617kenjim
Aug 12, 2024
You can see animals in the wild other than dolphins. - I was able to see a lot of dolphins as well as other seals feeding on them, penguins and the Royal Albatross for a moment, which was a very valuable experience. The sea was incredibly calm compared to Japan, so it was a comfortable cruise with no seasickness. The service provided by the captain and staff was also fantastic, including a welcome drink when boarding and a child in the driver's seat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Helensu3068fi
Aug 3, 2024
Glorious couple of hours on the Akaroa Harbour on a cold but sunny afternoon. - Captain Jo, guide Hannah and lookout dog Buster were very welcoming and entertaining.  We cruised up the harbour to the heads and learnt some interesting history on the way.  We also enjoyed, a complimentary, glass of wine. At the heads there was a bit of a swell, but the boat handled it with ease.  While at the heads we saw Hector dolphins a couple of times swimming alongside the boat. On the way back we saw lots of sea birds, blue penguins and seals.  We also had a delicious home made biscuit for the return journey. If you are in Akaroa and have a few hours to spare then take the opportunity to do this adventure.  You won't be disappointed.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer32533810973
Aug 2, 2024
Wonderful experience, locally owned business, very knowledgeable and entertaining captain, very comfortable vessel - We picked Akaroa Dolphins for our tour especially as they are a family own business with a very long history in the area. The captain was not only very knowledgeable but also very very and entertaining. We had an amazing time with a hot beverage and a homemade cookie. We will always come back to see the amazing landscape and wonderful animals.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahb3917
Jul 30, 2024
Incredible harbour cruise! - The harbour cruise was amazing! Right from the start, Stew, Hannah and Albie, the dog, made us welcome with commentary, a drink, and pats and cuddles, respectively. The tour was comprehensive, not just the promised dolphin sitings which was incredible, but albatross, fur seals and shags. Plus some incredible geological formations. And this was in the quiet season for animal sitings. We thoroughly enjoyed the history, nature, knowledgeableness of our hosts and their hospitality. Would definitely go again if in Akaroa!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mick_s
Jul 27, 2024
Awesome - Amazing day - fantastic staff and very informative. Highly recommend. Saw dolphins- penguins and seals. Also had the best little skipper in Theo the dog along for the day. Add to your list or must do’s.
Review provided by Viator
Jeffsr6471tq
Jul 18, 2024
Amazing experience! - A really fun couple of hours on the water with a great captain and crew. The oceanfront scenery is absolutely amazing. We saw a massive tidal pool full of baby fur seals. Also lots of adult fur seals and some dolphins. Gets a bit swelly out past the mouth of the harbour, so you should consider a gravol perhaps. Nice-sized boat with inside and outside space for observing. Highly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Charlie
Jul 18, 2024
Fantastic trip! - Fantastic experience on the boat. We got to see Hector Dolphins, Penguins and Seals! The crew on board were lovely and you could tell they love their job and want to give everyone the experience they've paid for. We had Buster on board and he was incredibly cute, not sure he did much Solphin spotting but everyone's allowed a day off 🤣 Great experience 100% recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today