Black Cat Cruises - Swim With Dolphins in Akaroa

Top Image: Graeme Murray

Akaroa Dolphins – Swim With The Dolphins

The historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Cruising the Akaroa harbour with Black Cat Cruises gives the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate dolphin experience by swimming with the Hector’s Dolphin, this cruise gives you the chance to see these beautiful marine mammals close up in their natural habitat.

Black Cat Charters have conducted dolphin swimming for over 20 years and were one of the first dolphin swimming operators in New Zealand.

It is a long journey to New Zealand but when you are rewarded with swimming with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, it’s a trip worth experiencing allowing you to get up close and personal with pods of Hector dolphins in their natural environment. The Harbour itself was formed from the flooded remains of an extinct volcano crater and the amazing volcanic cliffs that shelter the harbour also offer shelter to the Dolphins. Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, meaning that you will not find them anywhere else in the world, and Akaroa is the only place you can take a trip out to swim with them.

Depart the charming historic French township of Akaroa, just 90 minutes from Christchurch, aboard the large modern catamaran, Black Cat, into the sweeping scenic splendour of Akaroa Harbour. Enjoy your skipper’s fascinating commentary as you discover playful, rare New Zealand Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, penguins and many other sea birds.

Black Cat Cruisers – Swimming with Dolphins

Price: $185 per person 0r $95 per person for Spectator
Price: $155 per child (8 to 15 years of age ) or $55 as a spectator only
Tours Depart: 6:30am – 8:30 am – 11:30 am & 1:30 pm
Tours Depart: Times may vary according to the season. Select the book now button to check times for your chosen date
Duration: Allow Three Hours Two hours on the water (plus half an hour before and after)

It’s the ultimate dolphin experience as you will be swimming with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin. Hector’s dolphins are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and our dolphin cruise gives you the chance to see and swim with these beautiful marine mammals close up in the wild in their natural habitat.

Your swimming encounter with the dolphins will usually be within this sheltered harbour where the dolphins are most prevalent, and catering to small groups of swimmers mean you have an excellent chance of encountering the dolphins face to face.

Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, meaning that you will not find them anywhere else in the world, and Akaroa is the only place you can take a trip out to swim with them.

An encounter with a Hector’s dolphin in the wild is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

With only 12 swimmers allowed it is essential for you to book this trip in advance.

Akaroa Dolphin Swim Includes:

Two hour dolphin cruise (Up to 45 minutes spent in the water with the dolphins)
A briefing on how to interact with the dolphins and what to expect prior to your journey. (Allow 3 hours total for this tour)
Wetsuit, mask & snorkel
A hot shower & drink after your swim
Free hot chocolate & biscuits on board
Swim certificate & dolphin information sheet available on request
Optional photo pack available to purchase which includes photo’s of you in the water
Dolphin Guarantee (partial refund if no dolphins sighted)

Other Information

With only 12 swimmers allowed per trip you will need to book in advance
If you don’t see any dolphins then we give you a cash refund of $80. If the dolphins just don’t want to interact with swimmers then we give you a $50 cash refund or an $80 shop voucher (these conditions apply to swimmers only)
Children under 5 years old are free but can only watch
Child rates apply (8-15yrs). If younger than 8 children can still travel but can only watch
Wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen & a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy
Bring your camera – there are incredible views
Maximum capacity on board the boat is 20 passengers
Complimentary hot chocolate & biscuits

Black Cat Cruises – Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises

Price: Adult $90 per person – Child $35 pp (5 to 15 years of age )
Tours Depart: 11:00 am & 1:30 pm – All Year – Mid December to mid March 11:00 am, 1.30 pm & 3.40 pm
Duration: Two hours

Our 2-hour Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise takes you on a journey around an extinct volcanic crater to experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife. Enjoy your skipper’s fascinating commentary as you discover rare and playful NZ Hector’s dolphins, native fur seals, penguins and other seabirds!

Visit the startling volcanic formation of Cathedral Cave, and see everything from relics of the area’s Maori and colonial past to a modern working salmon farm of today. Two hour cruises depart daily from the Main Wharf.

Experience some of New Zealand’s unique and endangered wildlife on this stunning harbour cruise. One of the main highlights will hopefully be a glimpse of the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world – the Hector’s Dolphin. You may also see the White-Flippered Penguin (the smallest penguin in the world) and up to five different cormorant (shag) species. Plus see numerous other bird species such the endangered Yellow-eyed Penguin, and New Zealand Fur Seals will be sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay.

The crew do all they can to show you the fantastic wildlife plus the scenery is breathtaking. See many sea caves and volcanic cliffs as Akaroa Harbour was once a live volcano millions of years ago. There are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook – an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre that will take your breath away.

With two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating for shade and shelter the vessel is both stable and safe. Onboard facilities include a bar and toilets. Relax, stretch out and discover the harbour with an award winning team.

Phone: NZ 03 304 7641 Email: akaroa@blackcat.co.nz Visit our website: blackcat.co.nz/