Tauranga Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Discover Bay of Plenty’s Marine Life

Experience Dolphin Watching, Seals, and More on a Half-Day Adventure

Explore the Best of Tauranga with Bay Explorer

A Premier Marine Wildlife Adventure

Embark on a thrilling, half-day boat tour with Bay Explorer in Tauranga, your gateway to discovering the magnificent waters of the Bay of Plenty.

Our adventure-filled tours offer you the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s unique marine ecosystem, featuring close-up encounters with dolphins, seals, penguins, and even the occasional orca whale.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or nature lover, this tour is designed to inspire and amaze.

Your journey begins aboard our spacious and comfortable vessel—perfect for relaxing as we cruise through the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

Our friendly, expert guides are passionate about marine life and the environment, offering insightful commentary on the region’s rich biodiversity.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll have the chance to explore remote islands, snorkel in the pristine waters, or take in the serene beauty from a kayak or paddleboard.

Bay Explorer is much more than just a boat tour—it’s a half-day experience where you can unwind on secluded beaches, enjoy a picnic, or even take a refreshing dip in the waters.

Whether you’re visiting Tauranga for the first time or you’re a local looking to explore the Bay of Plenty from a new perspective, our tours promise an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery, thrilling wildlife encounters, and awe-inspiring sights.

Book your Bay Explorer tour today and get ready for a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines the thrill of wildlife watching, the serenity of island exploration, and the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s coastline.

Don’t miss this premier Bay of Plenty Dolphin & Wildlife Adventure

Bay Explorer Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise (Half Day)

Price: $175 per person – Child 6 to 12 years $65 pp
Departs: 9:00 am returns approx 1:00 to 2:00 pm
Duration: approx 5 Hours

Start your Bay Explorer Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise with a warm welcome aboard our spacious vessel at the Tauranga waterfront jetty. This half-day wildlife cruise offers an incredible chance to explore the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and surrounding islands, home to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular marine life.

As we cruise through the Bay of Plenty, get ready for close encounters with dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, as well as seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, and even the majestic whales. Depending on the season, you might even spot sunfish, sharks, orca, and the occasional turtle.

Our cruise is designed for those seeking an authentic Kiwi wildlife experience, allowing you to connect with nature in a way that’s both thrilling and educational. Join us on the large top deck and participate in the hunt for that once-in-a-lifetime wildlife sighting.

We prioritize comfort, with limited passenger numbers to provide a more intimate experience. Our spacious boat is ideal for families, offering both comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck upstairs for the best wildlife watching.

Your captain and expert crew are passionate about the ocean and its inhabitants. Throughout the cruise, they’ll provide insightful commentary, helping you spot all the wildlife and sharing their knowledge of the Bay of Plenty’s marine biodiversity.

This is truly a shared lifetime experience, and we encourage you to bring your camera as we get up close to wildlife, offering photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.

After your cruise, you’ll return to Tauranga by 2:00 pm, leaving you with plenty of time to explore the Bay of Plenty or continue your travels.

What’s Included:

- A half-day cruise aboard our 18-meter vessel, offering 360° outdoor views.
- Comfortable indoor seating and a large open sun-deck for the best wildlife watching.
- Marine biodiversity encounters, including dolphins, orcas, penguins, NZ fur seals, whales, sunfish (Mola mola), school fish, sharks, seabirds, and turtles.
- Cold beer, chilled regional wines, and non-alcoholic beverages from our licensed bar (Eftpos available).
- Food options onboard, or feel free to bring your own snacks and lunch.
- Onboard commentary with fascinating facts about the Bay of Plenty and local marine life.
- A friendly, professional crew who are eager to share their marine knowledge.
- Photos of a lifetime—capture incredible wildlife moments!

Tauranga's Afternoon Harbour Cruise - The inner islands and Omokoroa Peninsula

Price: $95 per person – Child 6 to 12 years $35 pp – Family $195
Departs: 3:15 pm
Duration: approx 3 Hours

Set sail on a relaxing 3-hour cruise through the stunning Tauranga Harbour with Bay Explorer.

Departing from Tauranga’s central CBD, this afternoon cruise offers a unique perspective of one of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful harbours. Experience the perfect blend of vibrant port activity and peaceful coastal scenery, including serene villages, lush forests, and secluded sandy beaches.

Your journey begins by cruising through the bustling Port of Tauranga, New Zealand’s largest export hub. From here, you’ll witness the contrast between the high-energy port operations and the tranquil surroundings of the Te Puna and Omokoroa Peninsula, accessed via the picturesque Stella Passage.

This tour has been a local favorite for over 20 years, renowned for its ability to showcase the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Tauranga Harbour, one of the most stunning harbours in the North Island.

Aboard our spacious 18-meter (60-foot) vessel, you’ll enjoy panoramic 360° views from the sun-drenched deck, with comfortable enclosed seating downstairs for a relaxed cruise experience.

As you glide through the calm waters of the harbour, keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife such as penguins, seabirds, school fish, and even the occasional shark.

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Bay Explorer FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Our Tours

1. What wildlife will I see on the Bay Explorer tours?

Answer: On the Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise, you can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including dolphins, seals, penguins, whales, and even the occasional orca. Our knowledgeable crew will provide commentary about the wildlife and their habitat.

2. How long do the tours last?

Answer: Our Tauranga Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise lasts approximately 5 hours, while the Afternoon Harbour Cruise takes about 3 hours. Both tours are designed to give you ample time to explore Tauranga’s waters and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Bay of Plenty.

3. Is the tour suitable for children?

Answer: Yes, both tours are family-friendly! We welcome children of all ages and provide a comfortable, safe environment for families. The Afternoon Harbour Cruise is especially popular with families, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the views.

4. What should I bring with me on the cruise?

Answer: We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, including sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong on the water. Don’t forget your camera to capture unforgettable wildlife encounters! You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch, though drinks and light refreshments are available onboard.

5. Can I book a private tour?

Answer: Yes, we offer private group bookings for both tours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a more personalized experience, we can arrange a custom tour for your group. Please contact us for availability and pricing. You can reach us at +64 21 407 542.

6. Are the cruises weather-dependent?

Answer: While we operate in most weather conditions, the safety of our passengers is our top priority. In the event of extreme weather, we may need to reschedule or offer a refund. We will always notify you in advance if changes are necessary.

7. Where does the tour depart from?

Answer: Both tours depart from the Tauranga waterfront near the central CBD. Detailed departure instructions and meeting points will be provided upon booking.

8. Do I need to be fit to join the cruise?

Answer: While the cruises are suitable for all ages, some level of mobility is required for boarding the vessel and moving around on deck. We do our best to accommodate all passengers, so please let us know if you have any mobility concerns.

9. How do I book a tour?

Answer: You can easily book your Bay Explorer tour directly on our website. Simply select your preferred date and time, and follow the prompts to complete your booking. For any special requests, feel free to contact us directly.

10. What happens if I need to cancel my booking?

Answer: We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 48 hours may incur a small fee. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details.