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Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa

Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Location: Akaroa, New Zealand

Product code: 3661SWDS_SWDW

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From USD $45.53 View price guide

Dolphins up close in Akaroa. Make a date with the worlds smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins only on Akaroa Harbour. We can offer you an incredible safe experience with a great dolphin guarantee. There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin and that is the beautiful sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Dolphins Up Close operates a jet-powered catamaran for ultimate safety. All equipment is provided.

Schedule Details
Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa

Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa

Departs:

Daily

Unavailable Dates:

  • December 25 (Christmas Day)
Departure Point:

The cruise departure point is on Akaroa's main wharf.

Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 90 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. You can either drive yourself or catch one of the shuttles which operate daily between Christchurch city center and Akaroa.

Departure Time: 6:00am, 8:30am, 11:30am and 1:30pm Return details: The cruise concludes at original point of departure. Itinerary:


An Unforgettable Experience:

  • All crew are highly trained. This means that you'll get a great briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey. They'll also give you safety instructions and other information to allow you to enjoy your experience. If you are new to snorkeling and use of a wetsuit your crew will be on hand to help you out.

  • All equipment provided including wetsuit, masks and snorkel. You only have to bring you swimming costume and a towel. You can have a hot shower afterwards. And there's a hot drink after your swim too.

  • The office is the only one to be based on Akaroa's main wharf. This means that once you have got into your wetsuit you can get straight into your boat. We know that not everyone is comfortable walking around in a tight wetsuit in public.

  • Board modern vessels. The main boat is a heated, covered, jet powered catamaran. It's safer for you and the dolphins because there are no propellers. It's also heated so after your swim you can warm up quickly in the cabin. The 2nd vessel is not covered however is used during the summer months only.

  • Gift pack. The only operator in Akaroa to provide a neat gift pack meaning that you have a great souvenir of your swim. The pack includes a black and silver swim certificate, a dolphin information sheet and a free postcard, perfect for sending to a friend or relative. And all children get a FREE kids dolphin fun book packed with activities designed to educate and entertain.

  • Akaroa Harbour is actually the flooded crater of an extinct volcano. Apart from the huge and awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs, this also means that the Harbour is very sheltered. Your swim is not in the open sea, its inside a sheltered Harbour.

  • Only 10 swimmers allowed per vessel, so this means that when you get into the water there is more chance for you to come face to face with the dolphins as there are less humans for them to choose. Of course with only 10 swimmers allowed per vessel, it does mean that we are frequently sold out in advance, which makes it essential for you to book in advance.
  • Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - If you see dolphins but for some reason do not get to swim with them then receive a part refund. This might happen if the dolphins have calves with them, or are feeding or mating. In this case you get a NZD$40 refund in cash on the day of your cruise. In the last 12 months we saw dolphins on 98% of our cruises and had successful swims on 81%.

    pricing information
    Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa
    • Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote, select a date
    • Infants aged 5 years and under are free of charge (watching only).
    • Child prices are applicable for children aged 6 - 15 years.
    • Note that whilst it is possible for a confident child under the age of 10 to swim with dolphins, we don't recommend it.
    • Prices are per person.
    • Currency is set to USD. Change currency
    • Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
    • Learn more about our low-price guarantee.
    Additional Information
    Inclusions:
      • Wetsuits, masks and snorkels
      • Full briefing on dolphin's expected behavior from dedicated dolphin guide
      • Hot drink and shower
      • Free dolphin information brochure, certificate and dolphin postcard
      • Full on-board commentary
      • New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)
    Exclusions:
    • Full bar facilities on board to buy refreshments
    • Optional photo pack
    Additional Info:


      • This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
      • Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
      • We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if its cloudy. Bring your camera - there are incredible views!

      What about the environmental record?

      If you book this cruise then you'll automatically be making a donation to research and education on Hectors dolphins. Black Cat Cruises was the first cruise boat company in the world to get the coveted Green Globe 21, an international program to ensure best environmental practices.

    Local Operator Information:

    Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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