Bay Explorer Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise Tauranga

Bay of Plenty Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise Tauranga

Join the Bay Explorer on a premium wildlife and adventure experience cruising for the day on the biggest charter boat in Tauranga and exploring the beautiful islands around the harbour. Get amongst the unique aquatic world of seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, whales, seals, sunfish, rays, school fish and birdlife making it a photographers dream. Enjoy many optional activities which include stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking, snorkelling reefs, swimming & hiking.

You will explore the aquatic world of seasonal marine wildlife; dolphins, seals, penguins, fish, and occasional whale encounters. The regular dolphin encounters can range from a few animals to hundreds. You can choose to explore even more at the islands. Optional activities include swimming, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP).

Your experienced Captain and BEST DAY EVER crew will provide a fascinating commentary on the history, geography and culture of the area. They have knowledge on marine wildlife and personally share with you everything they observe. Books and references are on board to enhance your experience.

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

Bay Explorer Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise (Half Day)

Price: $170 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

Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands where we will showcase the amazing diversity of marine wildlife including dolphins swimming along side our vessel. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca…even turtles!

Our dolphin & wildlife cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for that once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families.

The Captain and experienced crew lust to share their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. A shared lifetime experience. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream. You will return to Tauranga by 2:00pm so you will have the rest of the day to explore our beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels!

Includes:

A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching upstairs..
Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand. Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife –
Dolphins: Orca: Penguins: NZ fur Seals: Whales: Sunfish (Molamola): School fish: seabirds: Sharks: Turtles
Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic drinks (Eftpos available).
Food options or bring your own lunch and snacks
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
Photos of a lifetime!

Don’t miss this premier Bay of Plenty half day wildlife adventure!

Custom Charter Cruises

Our 18.3m Bay Explorer is the perfect venue for your function or corporate event. Featuring..

Licenced Bar with cold beer, chilled regional wine and non-alcoholic beverages ready to serve.
Large interior saloon and large spacious viewing deck
Catering available and an onboard BBQ facility

The Bay Explorer is the largest charter boat for hospitality boat cruises in Tauranga. We operate within the Tauranga harbour (Te Awanui) and can host up to 140 passengers. Perfect for meetings, team building, corporate hospitality cruises and conference break-outs.

Tuhua (Mayor) Island

This is the jewel in Tauranga’s crown. The island has established walks, trails, amazing history and geography, lakes, fresh water and is totally NZ green, pest-free. The Marine reserve is situated at the north of the island, and remote from the base camp at South East Bay. Staying on the island is possible during summer between Labour Weekend and Easter (accommodation needs to be booked separately and must be booked in advance).