Get ready for an epic adventure as you watch Hector’s dolphins gracefully dance through New Zealand’s coastal waters. Our knowledgeable, passionate crew will be your guides, sharing insights about the dolphins, our landscape and the rich history of the area.
Rated TripAdvisor's #1 Nature & Wildlife Tour in Akaroa
2 hours
exploring the Akaroa Harbour
Luxury catamaran
with all the comforts of home
High chance
of meeting Hector’s dolphins
2 hours
exploring the Akaroa Harbour
Luxury catamaran
with all the comforts of home
High chance
of meeting Hector’s dolphins
Meet Hector’s dolphins and native wildlife
Thanks to our great location in Akaroa Harbour, we are in a prime location for seeing Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. On rare occasions, we may even spot migrating orcas, humpback whales, or dusky and bottlenose dolphins.
As the animals are wild, we can never guarantee a sighting, but we have an incredibly high success rate with Hector’s dolphins, who are as curious about us as we are of them.
If you don’t see any dolphins on your first cruise, you’ll receive a return cruise ticket, valid for 6 months, at no extra cost.
Akaroa Harbour's historical & cultural highlights
Soak up the scenery as we share tales about the history of the area and the people who called this land home. From dramatic cliff faces and panoramic vistas to local historical sites like Ōnuku, the Māori village where the Treaty of Waitangi (the founding document of New Zealand) was first signed by local chiefs.
The most luxurious, stable boat in the harbour
There’s no “roughing it” on this dolphin cruise! Our spacious 50-foot aerodynamic catamaran is regarded the most stable boat in Akaroa, gliding smoothly through the harbour for a comfortable and relaxing ride. Its low-profile design brings you closer to the water and offers an intimate experience with Akaroa’s incredible wildlife.
With both ample indoor and outdoor seating, there’s plenty of space to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. We also limit the number of guests on board, ensuring a more spacious and personal experience for everyone.
Indulge all of your senses
Enjoy home baking and one complimentary drink from our well-stocked bar, full of award-winning local beverages. A cruise with Akaroa Dolphins is more than just a boat ride or sightseeing trip. For many of our guests, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so we make it extra special with little touches you won’t find anywhere else.
Our four-legged dolphin spotters
Dogs have an uncanny connection to dolphins, and on an Akaroa Dolphins cruise, you’ll get to witness it for yourself. Our dolphin-spotting dogs are experts at detecting dolphins in the area, often alerting us to their presence well before we spot them. Equipped with doggy life vests, these fluffy crew members are also partial to a pat.
Akaroa Harbour is beautiful in every season.
Hector’s dolphins live here year-round, while changing weather, light and wildlife make each cruise a little different. Summer brings longer days and warmer temperatures; autumn brings golden light and quieter surroundings; winter offers crisp views and dramatic skies; and spring brings fresh colour and renewed activity around the harbour.
There’s no single “best” season to cruise — just different ways to experience this extraordinary place.
Cruise Pricing
Book your cruiseOur boats run like clockwork
We run a tight ship, so please make sure you’re on time for your booked dolphin cruise. Please pick your tickets up from our shop no later than 30 minutes prior to departure. Boarding takes place 15 minutes before departure at Drummonds Jetty, which is just a 1-minute walk from our booking office.
12.45 pm ~ Operates all year round.
10.15 am & 3.15 pm ~ Please check our booking calendar for availability or by prior arrangement for groups of 10+ people.
A little preparation goes a long way
New Zealand’s weather can change in an instant, with “four seasons in one day” being a regular occurrence. For your comfort, we recommend packing light but covering all eventualities. A warm jacket, sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses will ensure you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you. We also keep spare jackets and sunscreen on board in case you forget. On days with sea swells, we recommend Sea-Legs to manage nausea. For a full comprehensive list read our 'What to Bring' blog post.
We’re committed to your safety
In line with New Zealand’s laws, our staff are trained for emergencies, and our boat and onboard equipment are maintained and tested regularly.
Due to the size of our boat, you’re not required to wear a life vest, but should the need arise, we have more than enough for our passengers. If you’d feel more comfortable wearing one for the journey, just ask a member of our crew.
How it works
Choose a Sailing
Book your desired departure date and sailing time using our online system.
Collect your ticket
Collect your boarding pass from our office at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Cruise in style
Step aboard the Akaroa Dolphins boat 15 minutes before your departure time.
Hear from our
happy cruisers
We treated ourselves to the harbour cruise and it did not disappoint. Beautiful modern boat, spotlessly clean, and a crew who clearly love what they do. The captain was a standout, entertaining and passionate about Akaroa's history and wildlife.
This tour was special. Saw the tiny Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, an albatross, a whale and all sorts of other seabirds. The scenery is stunning, with a decent amount of history told on the tour. It was not overcrowded, nice and intimate. The skipper and the attendant were both exceptional and attentive. And they have a gorgeous boat dog that’s onboard for the ride which adds a little something extra. Modern boat, great value for money, would recommend.
Brilliant hosts, wildlife not disturbed, just observed. Loved the dog! Very special experience and a different view of Akaroa.
Such a pleasure & memorable trip. Definitely recommend it, surpassed our expectations. We saw Hector’s dolphins, seals, penguins, and albatross. P.S. The history of the area can be felt here. I shall take this wairua back to my whānau. Beautiful. Healing.
Unforgettable experience! The team is absolutely adorable, they're all making sure that you're happy and you're spending a great time ~ which we did.
One of the best dolphin watching experiences I've ever had! Very professional and accommodating. Saw some Hector's dolphins, penguins and fur seals. Thank you!
This was the best. Instantly saw dolphins, they swam with the boat, there were seals with their pups, and even a little penguin. The captain and guide who took care of us were super nice and fun ~ we loved it!
Family~run business. Heaps of enthusiasm. Saw Hector's dolphins, seals, penguins, and albatross. Good boat. Good commentary. Excellent hostess.
Private charters
Our private charters allow you to tailor a dolphin cruise to suit your party's needs. Embark on a personalised dolphin cruise that guarantees privacy, flexibility, and a truly extraordinary experience. Get in touch with us to plan an unforgettable voyage.