100% Locally Owned and Operated
We are a small 6th generation family business and we love taking guests out to share amazing experiences on our 2.5hr Dolphin Swimming tour.
Personal & Inspiring Experience
We offer a more personal, exclusive experience with a maximum of 12 guests per tour on a fun boat. We are passionate about nature and look forward to sharing our big blue back yard with you.
Dolphin Swimming & Other Wildlife
You’ll have 2.5hrs on the water to swim with the Hectors Dolphins. We operate in a low impact, eco friendly way so that their natural habitat is protected. We also include site seeing of other amazing wildlife, area information & scenery.
Want to swim with New Zealand’s most special dolphin?
… Department of Conversation managed and approved.
Swim with the worlds rarest and smallest ocean dolphin – The Hectors (New Zealand) Dolphin.
This only possible in the amazing volcanic crater of Akaroa Harbour.
We love what we do, you will too. Come join us!
Children 6 – 15 years $170
Adult price,
$200
Free swim photos!
Season
We operate our Dolphin Swimming Tour from the 1st of October till the 30th of April.
Minimum Numbers
A minimum of 4 swimmers is required to operate the tour.
Age Policy
To be able to swim children must be 6 years or older. Between 6 and 15 they must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
Weather
All tours are subject to weather and sea conditions and it is at the Captains discretion.
Our Akaroa Dolphin Swimming Tours
… are longer
… You should allow approximately 3.5 hours for your experience. This gives us more time on the water to gain the encounter with the dolphins. We will also endeavour to show you the other amazing wildlife and scenery out there as well. New Zealand Fur Seals, White Flippered Penguins, Albatross, Cormorant, Caspian Terns, Cathedral Cave, Akaroa Marine Reserve, subject to time and conditions as our first priority is your dolphin swim experience.
Advanced bookings are essential
Our boat exclusively takes a maximum of 12 guests at one time. We operate 1 Dolphin Swim Tour per day, so advanced bookings are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Meeting point
… and a few things to know before arrival
Meet Steve and the crew at the Ecoseaker trailer by the end of Daly’s Wharf (the smaller, less crowded wharf) at 1 Rue Balguerie in Akaroa.
Please check in at
10:15AM
Departure is at
10:30AM
We suggest that you use the public toilets before arrival, with a smaller boat our toilet is for emergency use.
The dolphin swimming experience…
To take part you must have a basic level of swimming ability and be able to swim 50 meters without aids. A basic level of fitness is required to swim to and from the boat and climb up and down the small entry ladder. Please remember this is swimming in the ocean and quite different from a pool or beach swimming.
You will be provided with a 5mm full body wetsuit, 5mm booties (shoes), mask & snorkel. Please arrive wearing your swim wear under your clothes as you will be getting changed with other people of the same sex and it will speed up departure.
You do not need snorkelling experience to enjoy this tour. If the Dolphins are interested you will see most of the action at or just below the surface without the need of your mask & snorkel.
A basic level of english is required by individuals and at least 1 member of a group to be able understand the Captains instructions and safety briefing.
Please do not attend the tour under the influence of alcohol or drugs as you will not be permitted to join the tour and no refund will be given.
Are Dolphins guaranteed ?
Medical/Risk Disclaimer
As with any outdoor or ocean based activity there are risks involved due to natural elements, also seasickness and being in relatively low water temperature can aggravate pre existing medical conditions.
All swimmers must fill out a medical/risk disclaimer form disclosing medical conditions, disabilities, injuries past or present before embarking on the tour.
Seasickness
The tour takes place in Akaroa Harbour or the Pacific Ocean depending on where the dolphins are. Both areas can lead to seasickness due to sea conditions.
It is advisable if concerned to take seasickness medication before you arrive for check in. See the closest pharmacy. Note: No refunds are given due to seasickness.
Things to bring
Water Bottle
Warm Jacket
Sun Hat
or warm hat
Camera
With a full battery!
Sunscreen
Put on before arriving.
Sunglasses
… as an option
Swim Wear
for swimmers
Towel
for swimmers
Medication
That should be with you, e.g., Asthma Inhaler, epi pen, Herat Pills etc.
We do not provide a towel so you must have yours. Please come wearing your swim wear under your clothing as this speeds up departure giving us more time on the water, also you will be changing with other people of the same sex.
We will provide a yummy Hot Chocolate and Biscuit on the boat.
As a small buisness we have small footprint which is better for the environment. It does mean however we haven’t got a shower on site.