Spectator

Further Information/Online Reservations - Currency Convertor

*Oct-May Only

We have long known that Dolphins are harmless, friendly creatures, who spend their life, usually in groups (pods), in the open ocean. Dolphin Encounter, the pioneers of dolphin swimming in New Zealand, have refined the ability for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment; truly a unique experience.

Swimming with and watching the dusky dolphins is an open ocean experience.

The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where wild dolphins can be encontered every day, weather permitting. It is this fact which sets our operation apart, our success rate of swimming with dolphins is second to none.

Both vessels are fitted with hot showers and toilets for passenger comfort and both have covered areas for protection against the elements. The capacity of the vessels is as follows:

Our larger vessel, the 13 metre catamaran, takes 13 swimmers and 20 spectators and our smaller second vessel takes 13 swimmers and 4 spectators. Our permits restrict us to 13 people in the water at any one time.

The trips are approximately of three hours duration and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour. All snorkelling gear is provided and although snorkelling experience is not a requirement, we remind you that this is an open water experience where a variety of sea conditions can be encountered. Therefore previous snorkelling knowledge would be helpful.

Due to the seasonal nature of our operation we have heavy demand for our tours throughout the busy tourist season - November to April. It is recommended that bookings are made well in advance during this period. Dolphin Encounter operates 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.