Dolphin Encounters Kaikoura

Rates: Dolphin Watch NZ$65.00 per person dolphin swim NZ$130 per person

Dolphin Encounter®, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, a truly unique experience. Dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting.

The opportunity to go out and watch the dusky dolphins from our boats, gives visitors wonderful views of these spectacular and acrobatic dolphins. Visitors can choose to dolphin watch or swim.

• Tours have a total duration of approximately 3 hours and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour.
• On our dolphin tours you are sometimes lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins.
• Boats are fitted with hot deck showers and toilets for passenger comfort and have covered areas for protection against the elements.
• Things to bring on the tour are a gear bag, warm clothing and camera, plus plenty of film.
• Our larger boats take 13 swimmers and up to 20 watchers. Our permits restrict us to 13 people in the water at any one time.
• Due to the seasonal nature of this operation there is heavy demand from November to April and bookings should be made well in advance. 
• Children under the age of 5 years are not permitted on tours without prior consultation.Because this is an open ocean experience the age limit for children participating in the swimming with dolphins activity is 8 years of age.
• All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided and although snorkeling experience is not a requirement, we remind you that this is an open water experience where a variety of sea conditions can be encountered.
• Dolphin Encounter operates under a permit system under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation. We have our own code of practice so that our operation with the dolphins causes the least possible disturbance to the activities of these wonderful creatures.
• Encounter Kaikoura boasts an on-site cafe with great coffee, beautiful food and breathtaking views. Cafe Encounter is open for breakfast, lunch and casual dining throughout the day. The cafe is fully licenced, so why not pop in and sample some local beers and wines, our homemade baking and other tasty treats before or after your tour.

Summer Season - October to April
Tours operate three times per day, weather permitting, at 5.30am, 8.30am and 12.30pm.

Winter Season - May to September
Tours operate two times per day, weather permitting, at 8.30am and 12.30pm.

"Possibly the highlight of our trip so far was our dolphin encounter... - a totally amazing experience!!"K&N Australia 30/04/2