Dolphin Encounter - Swim with or watch Kaikoura's Dusky Dolphins

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to swim with wild dolphins in the open ocean?  Have you wanted to see a pod of dolphins in their natural environment; displaying their acrobatic talent or bow riding at the front of the boat?  

Dusky dolphins are superb entertainers and the pods that are found along the Kaikoura coast, all year round, are simply awe-inspiring.

Energized, yet graceful and so beautful, the dusky dolphins are the super stars of the local ocean environment. They are guaranteed to put a lasting smile on your face.

Dolphin Encounter tours have been in existence since the summer of 1989/1990 and have become regarded as a "must do" experience for visitors to Kaikoura.  The ocean environment along the Kaikoura Coast supports massive diversity of marine life due to a very deep canyon system close to shore which also stretches for a distance off shore as well.  This is one of the key reasons that marine life flourishes here and enables tours to operate with such reliable and consistent sightings.

Operating up to three tours a day, the opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures in the open ocean environment is incredibly unique. The sheer numbers of dolphins can be mind blowing and their acrobatic prowess which includes very high leaps, somersaults, and displays of side slaps and tail slapping, is delightful to see.  Watchers and swimmers travel on the same boats so if swimming is the preferred option for some but not others in your group, everyone is able to travel together.

 Allow 3.5 hours for this tour.  If swimming, previous snorkelling experience is recomended but not essential