New Zealand Tour

1. Two options, watching (viewing) or swimming. Both these options occur on the same boats, they are not separate tours.
2. Including check-in time at Kaikoura accommodations, you should allow 3.5 hours in total.
3. This tour is unique as it has the highest success rate of locating AND swimming with dolphins in NZ, we have pods of 100-1000 dolphins and we swim with the most acrobatic and interactive dolphin species in the world.
4. All snorkelling equipment is provided for swimmers except for towels and swimsuits.
5. The dolphin tour is an open ocean experience. For maximum enjoyment, swimmers need to be confident and have a reasonable level of snorkeling experience.

Departures

Booking Confirmation:

• Confirmation E-Voucher will be sent within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
• E-Voucher contains operator details, times and local contact telephone numbers
• This tour must be booked at least 72 hours in advance of travel

The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting.

We have long known that dolphins are friendly creatures that spend their lifetime, usually in groups known as pods, in the open ocean. Dolphin Encounter®, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, a truly unique experience.

Swimming

Swim with the Dusky Dolphins off the stunning Kaikoura Coast.

This incredible tour allows swimmers to get up close and personal with one of the most playful and acrobatic dolphins in the world.

Watching

The opportunity to go out and watch the dusky dolphins from our boats, gives visitors wonderful views of these spectacular and acrobatic dolphins. As well as this, there is the opportunity to witness any interaction between the dolphins and swimmers, who are also on the same boat.

This is an experience that will stay with you for a life time.

1. Tours have a total duration of approximately three to three and a half hours and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour.

2. On the dolphins tours you are sometimes lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and hectors dolphins.

3. The boats are fitted with hot deck showers and toilets for passenger comfort and have covered areas for protection against the elements.

4. Things to bring on the tour are a swimsuit and towel (if swimming), gear bag, warm clothing and camera.

5. Encounter Kakoura do not accept children under the age of 5 years on the tours without prior consultantion.

6. Because this is an open ocean experience the age limit for children participating in the swimming with dolphins activity is 8 years of age.

7. All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided and although snorkeling experience is not a requirement, we remind you that this is an open water experience where a variety of sea conditions can be encountered. Therefore previous snorkeling knowledge is a definite advantage.

• Tours have a total duration of approximately three to three and a half hours and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour.
• On our dolphin tours you are sometimes lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins.
• Our boats are fitted with hot deck showers and toilets for passenger comfort and have covered areas for protection against the elements.
• Things to bring on the tour are a swimsuit and towel (if swimming), gear bag, warm clothing and camera.
• Due to the seasonal nature of our operation we have heavy demand for our tours throughout the busy tourist season - November to April. It is recommended that bookings be made well in advance during this period.
• We do not accept children under the age of 5 years on our tours without prior consultation.
• Because this is an open ocean experience the age limit for children participating in the swimming with dolphins activity is 8 years of age.
• All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided and although snorkeling experience is not a requirement, we remind you that this is an open water experience where a variety of sea conditions can be encountered. Therefore previous snorkeling knowledge is a definite advantage.
• Dolphin Encounter operates under a permit system under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation. We have our own code of practice so that our operation with the dolphins causes the least possible disturbance to the activities of these wonderful creatures.
• All Tours are subject to minimum passenger requirements to operate
• Encounter Kaikoura boasts an on-site cafe with great coffee, beautiful food and breathtaking views. Cafe Encounter is open for breakfast, lunch and casual dining throughout the day. The cafe is fully licenced, so why not pop in and sample some local beers and wines, our homemade baking and other tasty treats before or after your tour.