Tauranga Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise | Bay of Plenty

Discover the rich marine life of Tauranga on a half-day dolphin and wildlife cruise through the Bay of Plenty. This relaxed, fully guided experience offers the chance to encounter dolphins, seals, seabirds, and coastal islands while learning about the region’s unique marine environment.

Ideal for families, nature lovers, and visitors looking for an unforgettable ocean experience, the Tauranga Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise combines scenic cruising with meaningful wildlife encounters.

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

Explore the Best of Tauranga with Bay Explorer

A Premier Marine Wildlife Adventure

Explore the spectacular marine environment of Tauranga on a half-day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise with Bay Explorer. This fully guided experience takes you through the pristine waters of the Bay of Plenty, offering unforgettable encounters with dolphins, seals, seabirds, and other marine life, all while enjoying scenic coastal and island views. Ideal for families, nature lovers, and visitors seeking an authentic New Zealand wildlife experience.

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

Begin your Bay Explorer Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise with a warm welcome aboard a spacious, purpose-built vessel at the Tauranga waterfront jetty. This half-day cruise offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the Bay of Plenty coastline and surrounding islands while searching for some of New Zealand’s most iconic marine wildlife.

As you cruise through the bay, you may encounter dolphins swimming alongside the boat, New Zealand fur seals, penguins, seabirds, and — depending on the season — whales, orca, sunfish (Mola mola), sharks, or even turtles. Wildlife sightings vary naturally, making every cruise a unique experience.

With limited passenger numbers, the cruise offers a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy comfortable enclosed seating downstairs or head to the large open sun deck upstairs for the best wildlife viewing and photo opportunities.

What You’ll Experience on the Cruise

A half-day cruise aboard an 18-metre vessel with 360° viewing
Expert commentary from a knowledgeable skipper and crew
Opportunities to explore remote islands and coastal scenery
Comfortable indoor seating and spacious outdoor decks
Licensed onboard bar with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks (Eftpos available)
Food available onboard or bring your own snacks and lunch
Incredible photo opportunities of marine wildlife and coastal landscapes

This cruise is designed to be both educational and relaxing, offering a genuine connection with the Bay of Plenty’s marine environment.

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 afternoon cruise through Tauranga Harbour, one of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful harbours. Departing from Tauranga’s CBD, this scenic journey blends vibrant port activity with peaceful coastal landscapes, sheltered bays, and picturesque shoreline villages.

Cruise past the Port of Tauranga before gliding through the calm waters of the Te Puna and Omokoroa Peninsula via the scenic Stella Passage. Along the way, keep an eye out for penguins, seabirds, schooling fish, and the occasional marine visitor.

This long-running local favourite offers panoramic harbour views from the open sun deck, with comfortable enclosed seating below, making it an ideal afternoon experience for all ages.

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.