If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility requirements, please let us know at the time of booking. Sharing this information in advance allows our crew to be fully prepared and ready to provide thoughtful assistance throughout your tour.

Your comfort and experience are important to us, and we will do everything we can to create an unforgettable journey on the water.

Disabled parking spaces are available around the jetty area and along Beach Road; however, please be aware that spaces may be limited, especially at peak times. Additional parking is available at the Gaiety Hall, Rue Jolie, Akaroa 7520, with free parking for up to 8 hours. Here is a link to the location. This location is a 3-minute walk from our ticketing office and a further 1-minute walk to the jetty for boarding.

If you have any questions about parking, accessibility, or getting to your cruise, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly team ~ we're happy to help.

We are pleased to accommodate guests with physical disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. Our vessel is equipped with a suitable boarding ramp, allowing wheelchair users to board with ease.

If you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair or requires mobility assistance, please let us know when booking so we can arrange boarding at the most suitable time.

For the ramp to work safely and effectively, wheelchair users need to board first, as the boat sits lower in the water once guests are onboard. Letting us know in advance helps our crew prepare and provide the best possible experience.

If you have any questions about accessibility or boarding, please contact our friendly team ~ we're happy to help.

Please note: The width of the gate on our 'Akaroa Dolphin II' catamaran is 710 mm wide, and ‘Into the Blue’ is 560 mm.

We encourage guests to use the wheelchair-accessible bathroom facilities located at the Britomart Reserve before boarding. 

To make the process even smoother, guests who require additional assistance are welcome to board early, giving our crew time to provide personalised support and ensure a seamless start to your adventure.

Akaroa Dolphins proudly recognises the Sunflower Lanyard, an internationally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities. If you or someone in your group has a hidden disability, you're welcome to let us know when booking or on arrival so we can provide any support you may need.

Our crew is committed to offering discreet, respectful assistance tailored to each guest. We also have a sensory bag available on board, containing items such as fidget toys, which can be requested at any time during your cruise.

For guests who are Deaf or hard of hearing, our crew are happy to answer questions before and after the safety briefing and will do their best to communicate clearly throughout the cruise. We want all guests to enjoy their time on the water. Commentary booklets are available on board so you can follow along with information about the wildlife, harbour, and local history. If you'd like, our team can also recommend the best seats to help you hear the live commentary more clearly. If you have any specific requirements, please let us know when booking or speak to our crew before departure ~ we're happy to help.

Our crew are happy to provide verbal descriptions of the wildlife, scenery, and points of interest throughout the cruise. Upon request, we'll also do our best to seat you in a location that offers the closest possible views of wildlife sightings. If you have any specific requirements, please let us know when booking or speak with our crew before departure so we can make your experience as enjoyable as possible.