EcoSEAker Dolphin Swim & Wildlife Tours Akaroa.
Swim with Dolphins in Akaroa
Experience Akaroa’s Rare Hector’s Dolphins
Just 80 minutes from Christchurch, Akaroa Harbour is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphins on the planet.
These playful and curious marine creatures are a must-see for wildlife lovers visiting New Zealand.
EcoSeaker, a small family-owned business operated by locals Steve and Kerstin Hamilton, offers a warm, friendly experience. Steve, a 5th-generation local with deep roots in Akaroa’s French and Scottish heritage, is your expert skipper and a certified Department of Conservation dolphin tour operator.
Their intimate knowledge of the harbour ensures an unparalleled experience both in and out of the water.
With years of experience offering small, personalised harbour tours, EcoSeaker provides unforgettable dolphin swimming adventures departing from Daly’s Wharf in the heart of Akaroa township.
Whether you’re seeking a close encounter with Hector’s dolphins or a scenic journey through Akaroa’s breathtaking landscapes, Experience the magic of Akaroa’s wildlife up close.
Swim with Dolphins in Akaroa – Small Group Experience
Dolphin Swim Tour Prices:
Dolphin Swim $200 pp Children $170 pp (8 to 15 years old)
Dolphin Viewing only $120 pp (8 to 99 Years old)
Duration: 3 Hours approx.
Join Steve on one of EcoSeaker’s small group, and personal tours, where you’ll swim with Hector’s dolphins, the rarest and smallest dolphins in the world.
Each trip is limited to just 12 swimmers in the water, ensuring an intimate and unforgettable experience.
With a 90.5% success rate, EcoSeaker is your best choice for a dolphin swim in Akaroa.
Enjoy the added comfort of warm wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and a post-swim treat of hot chocolate and biscuits.
Passengers who prefer to watch rather than swim are also welcome on this tour.
What’s Included:
- A three-hour dolphin experience—longer than other Akaroa tours!
- More time to encounter dolphins and explore Akaroa Harbour.
- A nature tour featuring New Zealand fur seals, white-flippered blue penguins, albatross, and other seabirds, along with stunning sights like Cathedral Cave, marine farms, and the Akaroa Marine Reserve (weather permitting).
Important Information:
To swim, participants must have basic swimming ability, including the ability to swim 50 meters unaided and climb a small ladder. Ocean swimming is more challenging than pool or beach swimming, so a basic level of fitness is required.
Departure Point:
- Dalys Wharf, Akaroa
- Departure Time: 10:15 AM daily (October 1st – April 30th)
Akaroa Nature Cruise – Explore Wildlife & Volcanic Landscapes
Akaroa Nature Cruise Prices:
Adults $120 pp Children $60 pp (0 to 15 years old)
Duration: 2 Hours approx.
Explore the best of Akaroa Harbour on a two-hour nature cruise showcasing its most spectacular sights and wildlife.
Witness towering 1,000-foot cliffs, sea arches, volcanic formations, and caves. Along the way, you’ll encounter white-flippered blue penguins, albatross, fur seals, and other marine life.
You’ll also visit the Akaroa Marine Reserve, Nikau Palm Gully, and experience occasional blowholes.
Your vessel is a 12.5-metre Rayglass Protector, an ex-America’s Cup Chase boat, combining speed, comfort, and adventure. With Steve, a 5th-generation local, as your captain, you’ll learn fascinating stories of Akaroa’s volcanic past and rich Maori history.
Departure Point:
- Dalys Wharf, Akaroa
- Departure Time: 2:30 PM daily (October 1st – April 30th)
Book Your Akaroa Dolphin Experience Today
Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of Akaroa’s wildlife and scenery.
Book your dolphin swim or nature cruise with EcoSeaker now and create memories to last a lifetime.
Akaroa Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise FAQ – What You Need to Know
What is the best time of year to swim with dolphins in Akaroa?
The dolphin swim operates from October 1st to April 30th, during the warmer months when conditions are best for swimming and marine wildlife is most active.
What kind of dolphins will I see in Akaroa?
You’ll encounter Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species, found only in New Zealand waters.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join the dolphin swim?
Participants must be able to swim 50 metres unaided and be comfortable in open water. Ocean swimming is more challenging than swimming in a pool or at the beach.
What gear is provided for the dolphin swim?
EcoSeaker provides warm wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and hot drinks and biscuits after the swim. You just need to bring a towel and swimwear.
Can children join the dolphin swim or wildlife cruise?
Yes. Children aged 8 to 15 can join the dolphin swim (if they meet swim requirements), and all ages can join the nature cruise (with child pricing available).
How long do the tours last?
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The Dolphin Swim is approximately 3 hours
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The Nature Cruise is approximately 2 hours
What will I see on the Akaroa Nature Cruise?
Expect to see fur seals, penguins, albatross, sea caves, volcanic cliffs, and the Akaroa Marine Reserve. All tours include expert commentary from your local guide.
Where do the tours depart from?
All tours depart from Dalys Wharf in central Akaroa township. You’ll meet your skipper Steve there before departure.
How successful is the dolphin encounter rate?
EcoSeaker has a 90.5% success rate for dolphin swims, making it one of the most reliable operators in Akaroa for marine encounters.
