You will see
- Akaroa Harbour
- Hopefully the Hector's Dolphin
- Stunning coastal scenery
From Cruise Port: Akaroa-Christchurch
This stunning marine experience lets you see these amazing creatures from the comfort of our stable catamaran as your experienced crew take you to the most common spots in Akaroa Harbour to find the Dolphins, or more often than not, the Dolphins find us!
Our small group of up to just 24 persons makes this a very personal experience. With just 12 lucky persons on board [those who booked tour AKA-9 ] allowed to swim with the Dolphins, you will be able to see your fellow travellers interacting with the Dolphins as they swim around us, while you remain on board. Nature being what it is, we can not guarantee 100% that we will encounter these amazing creatures.
You must have a member in your group swimming with the dolphins if you want to do this tour.
The Akaroa Harbour is the flooded crater of an extinct volcano, set within picturesque Banks Peninsula. 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 encounter will be inside the sheltered harbour.
Even though you have not been in the water swimming with the Dolphins, this will still be one of the highlights of any holiday in New Zealand.
From Cruise Port: Akaroa-Christchurch
Not Included
- Any meals
- You will not be able to swim with the Dolphins, if you do, then you must book tour AKA-9 . This tour is for persons who are travelling with persons who are doing the swimming with the Dolphins only.
Instructions
- Please indicate the persons you are travelling with who are doing the AKA-9 Dolphin Swim Cruise when making your booking.
Restrictions
- This tour is only available if you are travelling with persons who are doing the Dolphin Swim Cruise AKA-9 .
Standard Tour Schedule Options | ||
---|---|---|
start time | end time | |
9.30am departure | 09:30 | 12:00 |
12.30 departure | 12:30 | 15:00 |
Note: Start and end times may be revised to suit ETA / ETD of ship in port |
Standard Tour Prices (current) | |
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Adult price | NZ $95.00 |
Child price (5 to 15 yrs) | NZ $55.00 |
NOTE: Prices may vary depending on your Date of Travel.
Our Booking procedures quote the applicable prices before you commit to a Booking.
We did the 2hr Nature Cruise with Black Cat earlier today and from start to finish it couldn't be faulted. The crew (pilot Kate and her two helpers) were friendly and informative throughout. We saw many dolphins once we hit the open sea plus seals, albatrosses and a penguin. The scenery is spectacular. Excellent value for the GrabOne 2 for 1 package we bought.
Phil W, via TripAdvisor [Apr 18]
Sandra M, via TripAdvisor [Apr 18]
Jane P, via TripAdvisor [Feb 18]
Can I swim with the Dolphins?
Not on this tour option. We do have the Dolphin Swim tour code AKA-9 if you want to do this.
The age range for a child ticket is different to the AKA-9 swimming tour
Yes, only children of 8 and above can swim with the Dolphins on tour AKA-9, but on this cruise tour the age range is lower for children as they will not be swimming in the ocean.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes there is
Can you take my wheelchair on this tour?
The boats are wheelchair accessible but passengers are limited to the rear of the boat, which is quite comfortable on fine days, but can be a bit chilly on cooler days & at times viewing can be limited. If passenger has some mobility, and able to get out of chair, they are able to enter into the main cabin & quite comfortably enjoy the cruise from the cabin, but there is a 30cm lip (door sill) to get over to access the main cabin. For health and safety , we require passengers in wheelchairs, to be assisted by an able bodied companion.