Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch | 12 hours

21 Reviews | Kaikoura
Likely To Sell Out
From $237.61 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 9 travelers in total.
Adult (14-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 9
2
Child (3-13) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 9
0
Infant (0-2) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 9
0
Partially Refundable If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
2 Adults x $239.30
$478.60
Approx Total
$478.60
Pickup included

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Fur seal colony viewing
  • Local guide
  • Swim with Dolphins
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
  • Use of snorkel equipment including wet suit
  • Lunch

Overview

Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North Canterbury to the rugged coastline of Kaikoura — the perfect place to view New Zealand’s dolphins, seals and birdlife in the wild. With warm wetsuit on, hop aboard your boat and learn from your guide the tricks used to encourage interaction with the graceful and curious dolphins. Dive to the depths below, snorkel over the waves and savor the joy of sharing the dolphins’ natural habitat.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

... Read more â–Ľ

Itinerary

Following a morning pickup from your Christchurch hotel, hop aboard your air-conditioned coach and settle in for the comfortable 2-hour drive north to the coastal town of Kaikoura. The South Pacific Ocean off the Kaikoura coast is home to a spectacular array of vibrant marine life. Sperm whales, Dusky dolphins, seal colonies and flocks of albatross are attracted here all year round by the nutrient-rich waters and plentiful food supply — it’s a wildlife-watcher’s paradise! On arrival in Kaikora, enjoy an early lunch (own expense) at the Craypot Café and Bar or take time to explore the attractive town on foot at your leisure. A thriving coastal community, Kaikoura offers a wide selection of shops, bars and other amenities and a buzzing seaside atmosphere. When it’s time to hit the waves for your dolphin swim, follow your guide to the cruise base in town, climb into your warm wetsuit and listen to an informative briefing on the varied marine wildlife that calls Kaikoura home. Afterward, transfer to your bus for the short journey to the harbour, hop aboard your boat and cruise out into the deep ocean. As your captain talks of the prevailing conditions out on the waves, breathe in the salty sea air and keep an eye out on the horizon for the wild dolphins’ tell-tale leaps and splashes. Be sure to ask the team on board about the tried and tested methods used to encourage the dolphins’ natural curiosity then, with the engine cut, strap on your mask, snorkel and flippers and jump into the ocean. Whether you choose to dive down to the depths below or bob about on the surface, swimming with the friendly and curious Dusky dolphins in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable. Marvel at their elegance in the water as they swim energetically around you and enjoy the experience of sharing the waves with these intelligent, graceful and inquisitive creatures. When your time with the dolphins is up, climb back aboard your boat for the short journey back to land. At approximately 3:30pm, depart Kaikoura for the return journey to your Christchurch hotel where your tour will come to an end.

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
  • Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
  • Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the Dolphin boats not sail. If due to Dolphin sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers
  • Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark

Partially Refundable

June 05100% refund
June 11No refund

You can cancel up to 6 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 6 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 6 full days before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.5

21 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    17
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    1
  • 2 stars
    1
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 17 reviews with 5 stars

10/10. Surreal, I’d do it 100 times over.

Published on Feb, 2025

This was the most incredible experience. Andrew our driver was awesome, the skippers Shae and Harry were so friendly and funny. Would definitely recommend bringing a gopro or hiring the ones they have to capture the true magic of the swim. I got sea sick on the way back with another lady and they looked after us so well, take some sea sick tablets if you have any doubts about getting sick! I would recommend this to everyone, the swim was amazing and Kaikoura is such a beautiful place to visit in general.

Great time!

Published on Feb, 2025

Stephanie, our guide to Kaikoura and back was incredible. She was friendly, warm, knowledgeable and great to chat to. We had a fabulous time hanging with her. The trip itself was very well organized. We had a mild-medium sea sickness warning -- I did not think that the ride on the boat was actually that nauseating, however diving into the ocean while the motor is running and creating gentle waves was a little bit nauseating. Would recommend some ginger tablets. The folks from the diving experience were also great, all equipment is provided, and they can give you a little info chat if you're feeling a bit nervous about how to use your snorkelling gear. The dolphins are lovely - it feels magical to be able to see them so close... Go diving if you are feeling upto the adventure, but watching from the deck is probably also equally magical and perhaps even a bit less nauseating.

Lifelong dream

Published on Dec, 2024

Swimming with dolphins is a dream. Not so easy (depending on the weather of course) but definitely worth it and you should try it. The transport company is perfectly coordinated for the times, the company for the dolphins is impeccable, professionals and they offer you the security you need (both materially and psychologically)

Wonderful

Published on Mar, 2024

Swimming with hundreds of wild dolphins is truly magical. Seeing so many schools of them playing in the ocean is just beyond word description.

Beautiful dolphins,...

Published on Feb, 2024

Beautiful dolphins, friendly and educated staff. Very well organised, may be more $$$ than a standard day trip but 100% worth it.

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
66962P1
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
2,676
From
$104 /   Person
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
246568P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
393
From
$93 /   Person
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura
19975P1
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
360
From
$78 /   Person
Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Be ...
308483P1
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
122
From
$144 /   Person
Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura
246568P2
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
62
From
$93 /   Person
Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valle ...
308483P2
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
56
From
$78 /   Person
Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikour ...
246568P3
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
36
From
$232 /   Person
Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
245011P1
time

30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
33
From
$200 /   Person
Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura
Likely To Sell Out
19975P2
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
32
From
$78 /   Person
45 Minutes Whale Watching Ocean Safari H ...
61327P3
time

45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
17
From
$461 /   Person
1-Hour Guided Whale Watching Premier Tou ...
61327P2
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
13
From
$724 /   Person
Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airp ...
130346P6
time

25 minutes

time Free Cancellation
6
From
$81 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Full-Day Ngorongoro Crater private tour
305728P7
time

8 hours to 10 hours

time Non Refundable
17
From
$1,080 /   Person
Private guided FunBike sightseeing tour ...
134090P1
time

1 hour to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
13
From
$37 /   Person
Hidden Barcelona
468505P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$51 /   Person
All inclusive Private Day tour Sigiriya, ...
145406P3
time

12 hours to 14 hours

time Free Cancellation
24
From
$71 /   Person
On the road with the night watchman
122716P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
125
From
$16 /   Person
Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute Show at ...
6920LASPUR
time

1 hour 10 minutes

time Free Cancellation
340
From
$65 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!