Akaroa Shore Excursion: Swim with Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour

Akaroa, New Zealand

When your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, take a shore excursion to swim with the world’s smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins — Hector’s dolphins. Akaroa’s beautiful sheltered harbor is the only place on the planet where you can swim with wild Hector’s dolphins, also known as the New Zealand dolphin. With a maximum of 12 swimming participants, this tour provides a fun-filled small-group experience.

Catch the tender to the main wharf when your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, making sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your swim with dolphins cruise departs.

As your cruise heads into the calm waters of Akaroa Harbour, enjoy an on-board safety briefing from the highly trained crew.

Learn how to interact with the little Hector’s dolphins without disturbing them and what to expect during your dolphin swim experience. Your crew are also on hand to offer tips and assistance if you’re new to snorkeling and wearing a wetsuit. All equipment is provided, including wetsuit, masks and snorkel, and there are hot showers available after your swim.

Cruise out onto the harbor in a heated and covered jet-powered boat, then jump into the water to swim with New Zealand’s rare Hector’s dolphins. These mammals swim up to meet the boat, and their calves can be seen between October and March. Watch the friendly dolphins dive and swim up close in the water, and hear them chuckle as they play.

If you’d rather stay dry on board, enjoy the Dolphin Watch experience and the amazing spectacle of seeing your friends or family swimming and interacting with the dolphins in the water.

Akoroa Harbour is a sheltered bay, the flooded crater of an extinct volcano surrounded by awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs. With a group limit of 12 people per vessel, the Akaroa swimming with dolphins tour means it will be an even more intimate experience.

The 3-hour dolphin tour is very popular due to the limited number of passengers permitted per departure.

This excursion is located within a 5-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in Akaroa. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.