Traveller Overview

5.0 1,179 reviews

Excellent92%
Very good5%
Average1%
Poor1%
Terrible1%

Travellers talk about

“wild dolphins”(74 reviews)

“swim with dolphins”(59 reviews)

“hot chocolate”(52 reviews)

About

Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.

Open Now

Hours Today: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

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Suggested duration: More than 3 hours

Contact

96 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand

Website

+64 3-319 6777

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Reviews (1,179)

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1 - 10 of 1,016 reviews

GinaDig

486

Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile

WOW!!!!!!!

We were blown away with the service from this business! We booked to swim with the dolphins on Sunday morning & were told that as there was a southerly wind, it would be tricky to judge how the swim would go. With this in mind...More

Thank GinaDig

abboa2

London, United Kingdom

4621

Reviewed 5 days ago

A day to remember

I took this trip for my birthday, the trips leading up to this day had been cancelled due to bad weather but my luck was in as it brighten up on the day of my trip. The dolphins were fanastic and we didn't have to...More

1 Thank abboa2

Kimberley A

London, United Kingdom

33

Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile

Absolutely fantastic, must-do in Kaikōura!

We had actually wanted to book on the seal encounter, but as the sea temperatures were still quite chilly in October we were advised to try the dolphin encounter instead and were so glad we did! The experience was fantastic - we were in and...More

1 Thank Kimberley A

Matthew F

Wakefield

185

Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile

Incredible Experience

We did this trip at the beginning of October and although the water was freezing, it was definitely worth it and the best activity we have done in 8 months travelling. There were so many dolphins and they were so playful and got so close...More

1 Thank Matthew F

nzp0ppy

Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand

472428

Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Dont go in september or October

Maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe, YES its on (4 hours before) on hold (one hour before trip), on hold, cancelled. This was the outcome of our phone calls in the 24 hours before our trip on a stunning calm clear day. We booked an afternoon dolphin...More

2 Thank nzp0ppy

It was a shame we weren't able to operate our tour this afternoon, and we share your disappointment; especially given the favourable weather and sea conditions today! We started the day with high hopes too around the time we confirmed your departure with you. Unfortunately,...More

HilaryM659

21

Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

Best Day out

From the minute I was greeeted .. through the Wetsuit fitting .. the safety demonstration ..?then bus trip to the boat I knew I was in for an amazing experience . It was a PERFECT Kaikoura spring day . Blue skies .. warm air .....More

Thank HilaryM659

RachelSManchester

Manchester

106

Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

Top ten things to do before....

We were a little sceptical of this trip but can not recommend it highly enough. Delicate consideration of the animals and the environment were the upmost priority and the experience was magical, a real privilege to experience. If you go there you MUST do this!!!...More

Thank RachelSManchester

Anthony H

Stockport, United Kingdom

21061

Reviewed 6 September 2018

Kaikoura at its Best

This experience was all part of our 3 month round the world trip. We had driven up from Christchurch in the morning (long drive) and after signing to our hotel we were informed that the trip had been cancelled due to bad weather. However the...More

Thank Anthony H

RuurdvanElburg

Hilversum, The Netherlands

30163

Reviewed 14 August 2018

Amazing experience to swim with dolphins

This organization offers boat trips to swim or watch the dolphins. It has good wedsuits and equipment and offfers a unique possibility to swim with dolphins. Please be aware that in the winter the water can be really cold! If you do not want to...More

1 Thank RuurdvanElburg

NokiP6

6

Reviewed 9 August 2018 via mobile

Weltec group

Really enjoyed watching the dolphins and never knew they were called pods when referring to a large group of dolphins and watching the people swimming with the dolphins made it very entertaining thank you Kaikoura dolphin encounter

Thank NokiP6

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Questions & Answers

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See all 27 questions

GinaDig

We are off to Kaikoura in October. Is it worth doing both the Whale Watching tour & the Dolphin Encounter? We want to swim with the dolphins but can you can see whales too...or are each experiences unique & only do what they say they do? Thanks

13 September 2018|

AnswerShow all 2 answers

We saw some whales from the dolphin boat but I don’t know if that Halle a every time. The dolphin swim is worth it

GinaDig

We are off to Kaikoura in October. Is it worth doing both the Whale Watching tour & the Dolphin Encounter? We want to swim with the dolphins but can you can see whales too...or are each experiences unique & only do what they say they do? Thanks

13 September 2018|

Answer

Hi there, thanks for your enquiry; great to hear that you are planning a visit! We are not permitted to view whales on our tour so to swim with dolphins and view whales you would need to do our tour and a trip with Whale... More

Melissa R

we are planning a trip in April of this year- we are thinking of doing the dolphin encounter on the 14th/15th - are we likely to see them in April? Is that a busy time - should we book it

13 January 2018|

AnswerShow all 3 answers

Hi Melissa Not sure how we missed your question sorry! The answers you have received are spot on - book as far ahead as you are able! :-) April is quite a busy time of year and tours are often waitlisting. Also that... More