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
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.
Laura M
7 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.
Nat Elliott
London, UK9 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.
hey_tez
Palmerston North, New Zealand16 contributions
Jan 2012 • Couples
I contacted Dolphin Blue on the 6th January to enquire about a gift certificate for my husband for his birthday. I had heard great things about their day trips and the owners however it is now 2 weeks later and I haven't even had a response to my e-mails. Very disappointed.
Written 16 January 2012
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.
JoNottingham
Nottingham30 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
Left feeling disappointed. Really looking forwarded to this trip, but it didn't live upto the brocture. No lunch and only 3 drinks offered during a 7 hour trip.
Located dolphins on the journey out that were mating next to the boat, informed they were juniors and we weren't allowed to swim with them. I can fully appreciate the need to stay out of the water if young dolphins and respect the advise of the boat crew, but were left feeling that there was no real intention to get us in the water. No safety advise on swimming with the dolphins or wetsuits spoke about or visable during the trip and the returned to base journey was next to the shore line left little chance of futher encounters.
Overall poor trip, no lunch, limited drinks and virtually no information given about these beautiful creatures during what turned out to be an expensive ($140) boat trip.
Located dolphins on the journey out that were mating next to the boat, informed they were juniors and we weren't allowed to swim with them. I can fully appreciate the need to stay out of the water if young dolphins and respect the advise of the boat crew, but were left feeling that there was no real intention to get us in the water. No safety advise on swimming with the dolphins or wetsuits spoke about or visable during the trip and the returned to base journey was next to the shore line left little chance of futher encounters.
Overall poor trip, no lunch, limited drinks and virtually no information given about these beautiful creatures during what turned out to be an expensive ($140) boat trip.
Written 27 February 2013
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.
Howard M
Colombo, Sri Lanka19 contributions
As a single pax i had a most enjoyable day aboard Commander I. Captain Paul and Allison were super hosts along with Velissa (naturalist) and created a wonderful friendly atmosphere. They were able to explain everything that we saw and had lots of field guides on board. Travelling with a small group in this kind of atmosphere made it a memorable day. A special thanks from me for being such wonderful hosts....the guy from Sri Lanka. Howard Martenstyn
Written 16 January 2012
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.
jackwjarvis
5 contributions
We had a wonderful Christmas present with this boxing day trip! Although we couldn't swim with the dolphins (due to babies in the pod) we were surrounded by over 200 dolphins swimming in the bow wave, with the cute babies glued to their mothers! As well as the captain who was great to talk to on the bridge we had a further guide who was very knowledgeable and as well as answering all our questions had some wonderful stories! After our encounter with dolphins we headed out to mayor island to have lunch (make sure you bring your own!) And a bit of a snorkel and kayak for an hour or so - actually beautiful!
Overall if you want a full day out on the boat, with more than just dolphins l would wholely recommend this trip!
(Just don't be put off of ever getting back in the sea after seeing the sharks on the way out of the harbour!)
Overall if you want a full day out on the boat, with more than just dolphins l would wholely recommend this trip!
(Just don't be put off of ever getting back in the sea after seeing the sharks on the way out of the harbour!)
Written 29 December 2013
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.
Tutapu T
Tauranga1 contribution
Feb 2013 • Family
Had the most amazing and luxurious trip on the commander 1. I took my parents who are quite old, and my young children, and they were all beaming from ear to ear. All excited to experience dolphins and scenery. The crew were extremely knowledgeable about the marine life and history of the local islands, area and culture. Very caring and thoughtful. Always checking if we were comfortable or needed beverages throughout the day. Dolphin Blue made us all feel like royalty. We only got to see two dolphins that day but that didnt matter as we were very priviledged to see pilot whales, which my family were most impressed with. We anchored at one of the local islands, Motiti, for lunch. The children all went swimming and kayaking and my dad went diving which we thoroughly enjoyed. Spacious and luxurious boat, caring and informative crew, beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife. I have already started spreading the word about our experience. And would highly recommend sailing with Dolphin Blue if you are looking for an awesome experience with royalty perks. Thank you so much for our lifetime experience. We will never forget this moment.
Written 28 February 2013
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.
Tristan W
Newcastle, England, United Kingdom7 contributions
Jan 2013 • Couples
We were on our honeymoon and had a fantastic day on Commander. There were only 6 of us on the trip and we were made to feel incredibly welcome.
We were lucky enough to see a pod of Dolphins within the first hour of our trip and we stayed with them for around 45 minutes. Since there were juveniles with the group we weren't able to swim with them but we had plenty of time for snorkelling and kayaking when we anchored for lunch.
It was one of the best experiences of what was an incredible honeymoon - so if you're considering booking just do it!
We were lucky enough to see a pod of Dolphins within the first hour of our trip and we stayed with them for around 45 minutes. Since there were juveniles with the group we weren't able to swim with them but we had plenty of time for snorkelling and kayaking when we anchored for lunch.
It was one of the best experiences of what was an incredible honeymoon - so if you're considering booking just do it!
Written 15 January 2013
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.
LionelJE
Geneva, Switzerland11 contributions
Dec 2011
The yacht is very comfortable and very nice. One of the reasons we had chosen Blue Dolphin was that they have maximum 15 people each trip and even though it was Xmas eve, we were very lucky to only be 7 (3 young people and the 4 of us). Paul and Alison are very friendly, we really felt like guests in their home. I talked a lot with Paul, which I enjoyed very much. Alison kindly served us some tea/coffee with cakes. In the morning we saw one or two blue penguins. We stopped at an island to have lunch (bring your own sandwiches) and some of us (the water was pretty cold) swam. As the weather was a bit rough (sunny but windy, so there was quite a bit of swell), it was difficult to spot the splashes showing the presence of dolphins. We got close (as close as allowed) to the Rena, which was interesting. At around 2:00 p.m. we hadn't seen dolphins yet and were starting to think we wouldn't see them on that day and we started to plan for when we would go back (it you don't see them you get another trip with no charge). However shortly after we found a large pod of probably 50 to 100 dolphins (hard to tell how many). We got so close that when they were jumping along the boat they were almost touching my children's feet which were hanging over the rail. It was a wonderful experience to see them playing along the boat, to see so many of them so close, everybody was very excited. We didn't see time passing by as we were so absorbed in watching them, but when we had to turn away because they were entering into the Rena exclusion zone we realized we had been with them for 40 wonderful minutes. We couldn't swim with them because there were too small babies and it's prohibited by law, and also for our own safety because there was still quite a bit of swell. Talking about safety, Alison was always making sure our children were safe.
Later on, during our trip around the North Island, we went to the Bay of Islands and saw the big boats crammed with people who were going to watch dolphins in hordes and we were so glad we had gone in Tauranga where it's not such a big industry, and even more thankful for the intimacy and warmth we had felt with Blue Dolphin. I can strongly recommend them.
Later on, during our trip around the North Island, we went to the Bay of Islands and saw the big boats crammed with people who were going to watch dolphins in hordes and we were so glad we had gone in Tauranga where it's not such a big industry, and even more thankful for the intimacy and warmth we had felt with Blue Dolphin. I can strongly recommend them.
Written 15 February 2012
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.
Are there times in the year that provide better oppportunity for dolphin swims? Are some months not as good?
Written 25 January 2019
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