Dolphin Blue Tauranga
Dolphin Blue Tauranga
4.5
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About
We'll give you the chance to go swimming with dolphins or simply watching them in the beautiful Bay of Plenty. Our aim each day is to locate, interact and swim with dolphins. We also offer other activities en-route - snorkeling, swimming or relaxing onboard.
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Dolphin Blue Tauranga
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4.5
33 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
3
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Laura M
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
our family of 5 spent the day with Dolphin Blue and had a great day. There were only 12 of us on the boat! We were found a few pods of dolphins- all with babies making swimming impossible. However the chance to see the dolphins in their environment from a chilled out boat was very memorable. Our kids loved it and so did we! Would definitely recommend this company over others- way less people on board!
Thank you Paul!
Thank you Paul!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judets771
Melbourne, Australia30 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Tough day for Paul & Stu trying to find a pod of dolphins. However to their credit they did not give up!!!! It was much appreciated how determined they were to find them. We ended up seeing a pod of around 100 dolphins, including a few babies. Loved watching them play around the boat and jump through the water. The bonus was as there was only 9 people on board, they gave us the flexibilty to either anchor near a small island and have a swim or stay watching the dolphins. More dolphin watching it was!
Written 16 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve Kohn
Beijing, China19 contributions
Dec 2019
Fortunately for us a couple changed their plans and it was just my family of four (two children 11 & 9) making the trip quite personal. After an hour or so boat ride we came across a large pod of dolphins swimming around the boat, including baby dolphins ( one of which looked like it had been born that day). Well worth the price to experience dolphins in their natural habitat. The crew, Paul & Stuart were very friendly and knowledgeable of the area, dolphins and other animals in the local seas, and the boat was very comfortable, we had a very sunny day but would still be comfortable and dry to do if raining.
Written 28 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H Stevenson
2 contributions
Nov 2019
My teenage daughters and I had one of the most memorable experiences of our lives with Dolphin Blue. Paul and Stuart were incredible hosts and went the extra mile to make sure that we got the see and swim with dolphins.
The boat and gear was clean, the weather was perfect, and the entire experience was something we will cherish forever.
The boat and gear was clean, the weather was perfect, and the entire experience was something we will cherish forever.
Written 1 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nat Elliott
London, UK11 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
This was honestly the best thing I've ever done in my life! It was the most surreal experience swimming amongst a pod of 400 dolphins!!!
Paul and Stu have you on the back of the boat holding onto a rope with a snorkel on. They take their time to make sure you are ready and comfortable with what is going to happen.
I looked at other companies around us and they must have had at least 20 people onboard, the experience of people entering the water seemed rushed and the switch over was quick. They also have two ropes on either side whereas Paul just has the one. I can vouch that you will have a much better experience with Dolphin Blue.
The boat was huge, extremely luxurious; we even had our own room to put our belongings in and get changed. The ride was very comfortable and Paul did not sail fast so this was good for our sea sickness. You can either sit up on deck or in the cabin - Paul is very laid back about the whole arrangement. We had snacks and drinks onboard - just remember to bring your lunch and plenty of water!
Sun cream is a must even if it doesn't feel hot as it can be deceiving when you are sailing in the breeze or if it is cloudy.
There were 9 of us including a couple of children. 4 of us went in first and for a good amount of time! Then we were even able to get in the second time. When you are not in the water, you can go sunbathe on the deck and watch all the dolphins surrounding you.
I suggest using Dolphin Blue as they are clearly conservational..
I looked at other companies around us and they must have had at least 20 people onboard, the experience of people entering the water seemed rushed and the switch over was quick. They also have two ropes on either side whereas Paul just has the one. I can vouch that you will have a much better experience with Dolphin Blue.
We also did the same trip in Kaikoura but our Dolphin Blue experience was 100 times better!! We got closer and the dolphins are just amazing, they seem to want to play and interact with you
Paul was brilliant and Stuart was lovely, making our trip amazing and unforgettable.
Paul and Stu have you on the back of the boat holding onto a rope with a snorkel on. They take their time to make sure you are ready and comfortable with what is going to happen.
I looked at other companies around us and they must have had at least 20 people onboard, the experience of people entering the water seemed rushed and the switch over was quick. They also have two ropes on either side whereas Paul just has the one. I can vouch that you will have a much better experience with Dolphin Blue.
The boat was huge, extremely luxurious; we even had our own room to put our belongings in and get changed. The ride was very comfortable and Paul did not sail fast so this was good for our sea sickness. You can either sit up on deck or in the cabin - Paul is very laid back about the whole arrangement. We had snacks and drinks onboard - just remember to bring your lunch and plenty of water!
Sun cream is a must even if it doesn't feel hot as it can be deceiving when you are sailing in the breeze or if it is cloudy.
There were 9 of us including a couple of children. 4 of us went in first and for a good amount of time! Then we were even able to get in the second time. When you are not in the water, you can go sunbathe on the deck and watch all the dolphins surrounding you.
I suggest using Dolphin Blue as they are clearly conservational..
I looked at other companies around us and they must have had at least 20 people onboard, the experience of people entering the water seemed rushed and the switch over was quick. They also have two ropes on either side whereas Paul just has the one. I can vouch that you will have a much better experience with Dolphin Blue.
We also did the same trip in Kaikoura but our Dolphin Blue experience was 100 times better!! We got closer and the dolphins are just amazing, they seem to want to play and interact with you
Paul was brilliant and Stuart was lovely, making our trip amazing and unforgettable.
Written 22 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda M
Tauranga, New Zealand7 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
What a fantastic day out the weather was amazing there was a massive superpod of Dolphins everywhere. The staff and skipper are attentive , relatable and super accommodating with a good laugh to boot. I highly recommend this trip and if worse case scenario the Dolphins are on vacation it is still an informative day out.
Written 15 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnttiS
Vantaa, Finland21 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
Boat, people, service ..all perfect for our group of 7 people. On our way to see dolphins we saw blue penguins and whales, which was unexpected "bonus"
But we did not only see dolphins. We swam with them. Tens of beautifull dolphins swam below us and we were able to hear them talking.
Everything was well organized and stuff really did care that we got what we wanted. Thanks!
I recommend this to all.
But we did not only see dolphins. We swam with them. Tens of beautifull dolphins swam below us and we were able to hear them talking.
Everything was well organized and stuff really did care that we got what we wanted. Thanks!
I recommend this to all.
Written 17 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maxvandersleen
Goedereede, The Netherlands3 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
As instructed by Paul, the owner of Dolphin Blue, we stepped on board at 8:15 sharp. It was the beginning of a great day, which gave us images of swimming with playing dolphins the will stay with us forever. The Commander 1 is a beautiful and comfortable boat which can easily accomodate 14 and we intend to return someday with a party of family and friends to rent it for a few days. Thanks Paul, Stewart and Truusje for your dedication to show us what there is out there in the Bay of Plenty and to share your knowledge and enthusiasm about the marine life and especially the dolphins. We loved the snorkelling and kayaking in the picture book beautiful cove of Mayor island where we anchored for lunch. In the morning we saw a group of 20 feeding dolphins. After lunch we saw a sleeping seal and a hammer shark. On the way back came the highlight of the day. A group of some 30 dolphins spotted us and came to the boat for playing. They swam in front of the boat, rolled over, looked at us directly, dived under the boat and jumped tight in front of us. Magic and unforgettable fort those on deck and those in the water towed behind the boat. Saturated with sunshine we retired for the last hour of the trip one one of the double beds of this luxurious boat and fell asleep rocked gently by the long sea swell. At 16:45 we were back in the marina. It was a spectacular day made special by dolphins and by a captain who treated us all like we were his special guests and not just his customers.
Written 28 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yzla
Lille, France53 contributions
Jan 2016 • Friends
It was a very amazing trip with DolphinBlue!
We were 5 persons on the boat on a Saturday, we felt like private! We started at 8:30am taking a beautiful and chic boat. The pilot offered us a hot tea/coffee with cookies/muffins. Then he borrowed us a wet suit, a diving mask and a scuba to go in the water, hanging on to the rope and see the dolphins swimming around us during 30min.
Later we were on the boat looking at the ocean and we saw a very big band of dolphins (40-50 dolphins), some families with babies swimming and dancing around the boat, magnificent!! We came back at 2pm, it was not enough!! Spectaculous.
Thank you again for this fantastic moment!
We were 5 persons on the boat on a Saturday, we felt like private! We started at 8:30am taking a beautiful and chic boat. The pilot offered us a hot tea/coffee with cookies/muffins. Then he borrowed us a wet suit, a diving mask and a scuba to go in the water, hanging on to the rope and see the dolphins swimming around us during 30min.
Later we were on the boat looking at the ocean and we saw a very big band of dolphins (40-50 dolphins), some families with babies swimming and dancing around the boat, magnificent!! We came back at 2pm, it was not enough!! Spectaculous.
Thank you again for this fantastic moment!
Written 16 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
4 contributions
Dec 2015 • Family
Fantastic day, saw and swam with loads of dolphins and saw penguins bobbing on the water. A very relaxed and informative crew, who couldn't do enough for us. During a relaxin lunch break had the chance to sea kayak and snorkel, with a seal and local fish.
Written 2 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline W
Melbourne, Australia29 contributions
Are there times in the year that provide better oppportunity for dolphin swims? Are some months not as good?