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New Zealand
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Canterbury
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Port Levy
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Tours & Activities
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Akaroa Shore Excursion: Dolphin Experience in Akaroa Harbour
3 h
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Black Cat Cruises, Main Wharf Akaroa Harbour Wharf, Akaroa 8841 New Zealand
Catch the tender to the main wharf when your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, making sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your 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 enjoy the animals in their nature environment with without disturbing them and what to expect during your dolphin 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 encounter 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 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 dolphin experience 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.
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This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Black Cat Cruises, Main Wharf Akaroa Harbour Wharf, Akaroa 8841 New Zealand
Catch the tender to the main wharf when your cruise ship docks in Akaroa, making sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your 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 enjoy the animals in their nature environment with without disturbing them and what to expect during your dolphin 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 encounter 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 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 dolphin experience 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.
Included
- Wetsuit, mask, and fins provided (for those swimming)
- Hot beverage after swim
- Full on-board commentary
- Hot showers
Not included
- Photo pack available to be purchased on the day
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- All swimmers must be physically fit and able to swim 50 meters unaided and be confident in open sea conditions
- Minimum age to enter the water is 8 years
- Children 8-12 years must be accompanied by an adult swimmer
- Children 13-16 years must be accompanied by an adult spectator
- Please bring sun protection, swim suit, towels and a light jacket
- You will be guaranteed a safe and memorable dolphin encounter. Receive a 50% refund if no dolphins are found and a 25% refund if dolphins are found but you are unable to enter the water. In the last 12 months dolphins, were spotted on 98% of cruises, with successful water entry on 81% of cruises.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
100%
Cultural
60%
Aquatic
45%
Shopping
15%
Reviews
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When we arrived at the harbor, the company stated that the morning excursion had not located any dolphins. Because of that, they offered us the option for a 100% refund or continue with the trip. Since we didnt have anything else to do we decided to go forward. The staff worked hard to find dolphins for us but no luck. We were given a 50% refund as part of the guarantee they offer. The day was not a total loss as the tour around the harbor area was very nice.
Its in rough seas - so if you are not a good swimmer - don't attempt! If you get sea sick easily - then it is not for you either. But for the rest - it was quite a show!