- Swim with New Zealand's rarest dolphin
- Wetsuits and masks provided
- Hot showers and hot chocolate after cruise
- Dedicated dolphin guide
What's Included
WHAT TO EXPECT
Come and swim with the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's Dolphin in Akaroa. It's a once in a lifetime experience, as picturesque Akaroa is the only place on the planet that you're able to swim with them!
Itinerary:
Cruises depart at 6.30am (Dec-Feb), 8.30am (Nov-Mar), 11.30am (All year) and 1.30pm (Sept-May). Please arrive at the Main Wharf in Akaroa 30 minutes prior to departure time.
A 90-minute drive from Christchurch, Akaroa is a quaint, French-inspired seaside village that you'll instantly fall in love with. As soon as you arrive, you'll feel the magic, and the good vibes just keep coming as you head off on a dolphin swim cruise!
Make use of the onshore facilities - hot showers, change rooms and lockers - before jumping aboard Black Cat Cruises purpose-built swim vessel. Get ready for an epic day! Everything is provided, including wetsuits and masks.
After a half hour briefing, you'll head off to meet the dolphins. You'll get to experience up to 2 hours on the water, with about 45 minutes swimming time.
You'll dive in with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin. It’s the ultimate dolphin experience! Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, which means you won't find them anywhere else in the world. Akaroa is the only place you can get this close. It's a once in a lifetime experience to swim with these beautiful marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Hector’s dolphins are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and Black Cat Cruises donate a portion of all ticket sales back to education and research on these endangered creatures. You can swim knowing these friendly creatures are well looked after.
After making some new friends, it's time to hop back in the boat and back to the harbor. There, enjoy a hot shower and then a hot chocolate while you debrief.