Akaroa Dolphins
Akaroa Dolphins
5
Boat ToursEco ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Let our crew including our dolphin-spotting dogs take you on a journey of discovery. We hold a Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, meaning legally we are able to take guests to view dolphins & seals. We are one of only two permitted companies that operate all year round. Our luxurious low-lying catamaran provides a closer encounter with the rare Hector's dolphins. Along the way, you will also learn about our incredible history & see NZ fur seals, penguins, seabirds, sea caves & spectacular volcanic formations. Enjoy a complimentary drink of local NZ wine, beer, or juice, as well as delicious home baking. As a 100% locally owned & operated family business, going back 7 generations to the area, we are committed to raising awareness with a portion of your fare going towards conservation efforts protecting our precious wildlife & marine environment. Please note for conservation reasons, we DO NOT swim with the dolphins. To learn more please visit our website.
Akaroa, New Zealand
Features animals

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023

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Tours and Tickets by Akaroa Dolphins
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(210 reviews)
(65 reviews)
(95 reviews)
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
2,630 reviews
Excellent
2,526
Very good
88
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
2

Rochelle L
Litchfield, CT9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
A very fulfilled trip in every way. Great captain with awesome boat and delightful dolphin sensing dog. We saw sa many dolphins as the boat approached the Tasmanian sea that I actually almost got tired of watching them.
The captain backed into wave to spot more and I got an awesome soak. Great fun. Plenty of room on the boat and excellent staff who helped anyone who felt seasick.
Written 5 December 2023
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.

Connector22881539477
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
What an incredible experience. Such beautiful scenery and will cherish this forever. The crew were helpful and knowledgeable. Even better being family owned and operated. Makes it more special. We were lucky to see 2 pods of dolphins, a penguin and some fur seals including a newly born baby.
Only thing that could be better is drink choice. ( a coffee/hot choc pod machine would be what makes it an 11/10 experience. Instant coffee and hot choc is pretty average when you can offer wine and beer)
Written 3 December 2023
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.

Margaret S
Coronado3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
MUST DO!!! My 23 year old daughter and I had The BEST time! Everything about this experience is first class. It’s a family owned business, and they pay attention to the details to make certain you have fun! The boat is beautiful, clean and very comfortable. We saw so many dolphins and seals and learned a lot about the area as well. The complimentary beverage and home made cookies for the ride back were a sweet extra touch, and consistent with the overall experience!! On another note, just the drive alone from Christchurch to Akaroa is amazing. Getting the chance to view the scenery from the water was a gift! Thank you!!!
Written 3 December 2023
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.

Passport31291593833
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Excellent experience seeing dolphins and other seabirds. Able to watch more than a group of dolphins. The dolphins look joyful interacting with humans. Staffs are nice and experienced in introducing the bay and the animals.
Written 1 December 2023
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.
Thank you!
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LoveTravel522656
7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
A wonderful experience, seeing plenty of gorgeous Hector dolphins. Professionally steered and guided by George. The deck hands were very attentive and welcoming, including Buster the dog (with his own life jacket). Thoroughly recommend this trip.
Written 1 December 2023
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.
Thank you!
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Road153951
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
The stuff was very nice, made sure everybody is enjoying, feeling good, not cold. We saw a lot of animals, got great explansions, and even something to drink.
Written 1 December 2023
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.
Thank you for your support and choosing to book with us.
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

msmichelley
Taupo, New Zealand87 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
What an incredible day with Akaroa Dolphins!!
We met Natalie and George two days when we booked two days prior to our trip and thought they were a great couple.
We were greeted like old friends when we arrived for the tour and the day just got better from there. They were professional, friendly and great fun. Albie the dolphin spotting dog was the icing on the cake.
The tour is full of info about the Akaroa harbour and it’s surrounds and the scenery is breath taking. To be honest this in itself would have been enough to keep me happy but then the most incredible dolphin watching came along. We were treated to so many dolphins including a mother and calf. The part that impressed me most was that the boat kept it’s distance at all times so these beautiful creatures could do their own thing in their own environment. The free welcome beverages and home cooked cookies on the ride home were delicious.
An experience we will remember for years to come and a trip I would return to do again.
Thanks so much Natalie and George for giving us such a fantastic day!
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Thank you for your comprehensive review! I have just passed it onto George and Nat too.
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Paddy
6 contributions
What a great 2 hours.

On its own, the trip down the harbour with George, Natalie, and Albie is fantastic with insightful narration of the important points of interest. Add to that the friendly manner in which the staff treat the guests, and you have a world-class trip. To cap off the experience, we saw the world's smallest dolphins and penguins, as well as some sleepy seals.

Highly recommended. Would definitely go again.
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Ohh wow “world-class”! Thank you for your kind words.
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mark A
Wellington, New Zealand2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Fabulous trip out on Akaroa Harbour in a modern comfortable boat. The crew are highly knowledgable about the area and make sure you have a great experience. Do not miss this excursion if you are in Akaroa!
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation!
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claire Z
Auckland Central, New Zealand2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fantastic boat trip, Buster the dog heard the dolphins, raced around the boat indicating they were close, then we saw them!! so awesome.
Felt safe with a professional and friendly crew.

Absolutely recommend it.
Written 30 November 2023
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.
Thank you for your lovely review, Claire! Glad you felt safe too.
Written 1 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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AKAROA DOLPHINS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go