Schedule and availability

Swim with hector’s dolphin in akaroa new zealand

ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

SWIM highlights

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, limited to only 12 swimmers per trip, and immerse yourself in the wonder of swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins – the Hector’s dolphin. Each tour is guided by a knowledgeable Nature Guide and Skipper aboard our specially designed vessel, which offers an informative commentary of the harbour while highlighting wildlife conservation efforts in the region. You’ll have the chance to swim with Hector’s dolphins, get close to ancient volcanic cliffs, and observe New Zealand fur seals alongside various marine bird species.

Please Note: This is a nature-based experience with wild dolphins in their natural environment. While our crew has a high success rate, swims are not guaranteed and no refunds are given for unsuccessful swims. Read more about this policy below.

  • The opportunity to swim with the wild Hector’s dolphin in their natural habitat - the stunning Akaroa Harbour. Our Nature Guides will brief you on how to swim with the dolphins while respecting their natural behaviours and to not touch or feed them.

  • As part of your excursion, our Skipper and Nature Guide will take you on an in depth tour of the harbour. Our purpose built boats means we get you closer to the wildlife, like NZ Fur Seals and marine birds, volcanic cliffs and more.

  • Everything is included in your dolphin swim - wet suit hire, biscuits and hot chocolate onboard, just bring your towel! Our crew will even endeavour to take pictures of you on the water and provide you with download link post swim.

  • Our 40 years of experience means we’re really good at getting our guests close to the Hector’s dolphin while respecting their natural behaviours. If you don’t get to swim with the dolphin then we’ll gift you an Akaroa Re-Cruise Voucher so you’ll get another chance to see these amazing creatures.

PRICE AND SCHEDULE

adults $250
child $220
SPECTATOR $180

OCTOBER - APRIL MULTIPLE DEPARTURES DAILY

  • Child age is between 8-15 years old

  • Duration 3.5 hours (2.5 hours on the water, 1 hour for briefing & wetsuit fitting)

  • Times may vary according to the season. Select the book now button to check times for your chosen date.

  • Allow extra time for check-in

  • Price valid until 1st September 2027

Reserving your tickets is simple

  • Select your date

  • Find a trip with enough available spaces for your group and click

  • Define ticket types and add to cart

  • Check out

Reserve your tickets

A portion of your ticket contributes to conservation, and comes with our dolphin promise*

Frequently asked questions

  • YES. You will need to be confident swimming in open-sea conditions and able to swim at least 50 metres unaided. Our swim encounters take place within or outside Akaroa Harbour, where the water ranges from 15–30 metres deep, and life jackets cannot be worn while in the water.

    If you’re not a confident swimmer, you’re still very welcome to join the tour as a spectator on the boat.

    Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions which may limit their participation.

  • The Hector dolphin (Maori name: Tutumairekurai) is named after Sir James Hector and is the smallest dolphin species in the world.

    Adult dolphins reach a maximum size of about 1.4m and 48kg. A newborn dolphin is just 76cm/2’ 4” (8kg/17lb), which is incredibly small for a marine mammal.

    Shape and colour – of all the dolphins in New Zealand waters the Hector’s dolphin is the only one with a rounded dorsal fin. They also have distinct 3-colour markings earning them the nickname of ‘the panda of the seas’.

  • Akaroa is an approximate 90 minutes scenic drive by car from Christchurch, and slightly longer when taking the French Connection Bus. More information is available on our Getting Here page

  • Just bring your swimming costume and a towel. Your phone, sunblock and water bottle are not essential but advisable. Everything else is provided for you including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves and a hood if necessary. You can hire or purchase a towel from us if you forget to bring one.

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