Enjoy an incredible experience, swimming with some of the world’s smallest, friendliest and rarest dolphins. This package includes a two hour cruise on the picturesque Akaroa Habour and the opportunity to swim with these adorable creatures.
Hector’s Dolphins are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and our cruise gives you the chance to see these beautiful marine mammals close up.
This dolphin swimming adventure allows only 10 swimmers per vessel, so you’ll have more chances to come face to face with the dolphins.
Akaroa Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano. Apart from the huge and awe-inspiring volcanic cliffs, this also means that the harbour is very sheltered. A lot of the time, especially in summer, your dolphin swim will be inside the sheltered harbour.
VENUE LOCATION
LOCATION
The cruise departs from and returns to Akaroa. Akaroa is located approximately 80 to 90 minutes drive from Christchurch city and Christchurch International Airport. It is an easy drive in a car through New Zealand farmland and then over the hills to Akaroa.
STATE
South Island
SESSION TIMES
DETAILS
We operate up to 16 cruises per day during Summer (November – March), up to 8 cruises per day in April and October and 1 cruise per day during Winter (May – September).
Report time at 6.00am 8.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm on demand (11.30am only from May to Sep)
DURATION
3 hours (including two hours on the water plus half an hour before and after)
PARTICIPANTS
MINIMUM / MAXIMUM NUMBERS
Only 10 swimmers allowed per vessel, cruises are frequently sold out, which makes it essential for you to book in advance.
GUIDELINES
The minimum age of swimming with the dolphins is 8 years old and children should be confident swimmers.
Preschool age children can come out in the boat to watch the dolphins if supervised.
Children's fares for the Swimmers Package are applicable for children aged 8 to 15 years. Children's fares for the Spectators Package are applicable for children aged 5 to 15 years.
DRESSCODE / WHAT TO BRING
Bring your swimming costume and a towel. Everything else is provided for you including wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves and a hood if necessary.
OTHER
If you see dolphins but for some reason do not get to swim with them, you will be given a part refund. This might happen if the dolphins have calves with them, or are feeding or mating. In this case you get a $59 refund from your fare.If in the unlikely event no dolphins are spotted you will receive a 75% refund.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG IS MY GIFT VOUCHER VALID FOR?
All gift vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase.
CAN I EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF MY GIFT VOUCHER?
Extension options are available upto an additional 3 months from the date of purchase.
If your voucher has not yet expired, we can extend your voucher for an administration fee of $10.00 per month / per voucher (upto three months).
If your voucher has already expired and you contact us within 30 days of its expiry, we can extend it for an administration fee of $30.00 per month / per voucher (one month only).
If your voucher has already expired and you contact us more than 30 days after the expiry of your voucher, the voucher cannot be extended.
WHAT ARE THE EXACT LOCATION DETAILS AND DIRECTIONS?
Once you have made an online booking and activated your experience voucher, you will receive an email containing exact location details.
WHAT ARE THE CONTACT DETAILS OF THE SUPPLIER?
After making an online booking and activating your gift voucher, you will receive an email containing the suppliers' contact details.
There are currently no testimonials for this experience.
SWIMMING WITH HECTORS DOLPHINS (NZ1039)
To make a booking for this experience, please enter the number of packages required and then click on the 'buy gift voucher' or 'book now' button. Experience Vouchers are valid for 6 Months from the date of purchase.
Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
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Operating Days Generally Operates Occasionally Operates Never Operates
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PACKAGE
ADULT
CHILD
CONCESSION
FAMILY
Package for Swimmer
$139.00
$115.00
Package for Spectator
$72.00
$35.00
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Enjoy an incredible experience, swimming with some of the world’s smallest, friendliest and rarest dolphins. This package includes a two hour cruise on the picturesque Akaroa Habour and the opportunity to swim with these adorable creatures.
Generally Operates 
Occasionally Operates 
Never Operates
