79 Rankers Reviews

1 Marine Animals

1 Dolphin Watching

7 Akaroa

Maps

Photos

Rare Hector's Dolphins
Luxury vessel 'Into the Blue'
Stunning scenery

Information

Akaroa Dolphins

Your intimate dolphin experience

Welcome to Akaroa, New Zealand, one of the world’s most beautiful places. Let us take you on a journey of discovery through millions of years of fascinating history and natural heritage.

Your hosts Pip and Hugh Waghorn, Craig and Georgie Rhodes and crew look forward to hosting you aboard our stylish catamaran for the cruise of a lifetime around Akaroa Harbour.

- Akaroa Nature Cruises
- Akaroa Harbour Cruises
- Hector’s Dolphin Viewing
- Evening Cruises
- Weddings & Honeymoons
- Corporate Functions
- Private Charter

Akaroa Harbour is one of two large harbours which make up Banks Peninsula in the scenic South Island of New Zealand. A cruise with Akaroa Dolphins is the ideal way to enjoy this beautiful place.
Our stylish vessel, Into the Blue, offers guests an intimate and personal cruise experience. Our vessel is fast, stable and manoeuvrable allowing you to visit the spectacular sea caves, volcanic formations, high cliffs and bird nesting sites both within Akaroa Harbour and beyond the entrance along the Pacific Ocean coastline. A comprehensive commentary on geology, history, ecology and Maori heritage and traditions is included.

DAY CRUISES
Summer – 10.15am, 12.45pm, 3.15pm
Winter – 12.45pm and other times by arrangement

EVENING CRUISES – from 6.00pm (by arrangement)
Bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.

Into the Blue is available for private charter by arrangement for individuals, couples, groups or families.
Complimentary wine for adults, hot and cold drinks and fresh home baking are served on board.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

Akaroa Dolphins

Commercial organisation

Location

South IslandCanterburyAkaroa

Categories

  • Activity__marine_animalsMarine Animals
  • Activity__dolphin_watchingDolphin Watching

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-43.8088734291105

172.962827243408

Take a peak
Latitude
-43.8088734291105
Longitude
172.962827243408

Reviews

    • Amazing trip out on the harbour.
    • Be aware!
    • Nice two hour cruise on the open sea.
    • Excellent cruise for our last day in NZ!
    • Knowledgeable captain.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 32
    41%
    9/10 26
    33%
    8/10 15
    19%
    7/10 3
    4%
    6/10 3
    4%
    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 4.5/5

    Really lovely staff and beautiful scenery.

    Informative and interesting commentary from the skipper.

    We managed to catch a glimpse of a hectors dolphin and saw seals and little penguins.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021

    NEW ZEALAND
    LC
    Lucy C's avatar

    Lucy C

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Fab boat, spectacular day, lots of interesting facts and info, saw the Hector dolphins mothers and babies, and the local seals basking in the sun.

    Had a wonderful time and highly recommend.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021

    C
    Christine's avatar

    Christine

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    We had a really fantastic trip with Akaroa dolphins on their.

    3x adults and 4 children. There were only about 20x people on the boat as it was a weekday. This made the experience as it felt like we had the boat to ourselves at times. So many spaces to sit and enjoy the cruise. We saw lots of Hector dolphins which made it so special. We also saw seals on the rocks. We were amazed by some of the beautiful scenery we got to enjoy. To top it off we were given a complimentary drink and baking and enjoyed having the dolphin trackerdog on board.. Our family loved our trip so much. Would definitely recommend. The boat appears brand new!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021

    TC
    Tracey Cron's avatar

    Tracey Cron

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely great trip.

    We've seen a lot of hector dolphines, penguins and even seals. Great kind staff and a stunning landscappe. Absolute worth the money!!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2019

    GERMANY
    IH
    Inga Hoffmann's avatar

    Inga Hoffmann

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Great cruise, friendly staff and knowledgeable captain.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2018

    BELGIUM
    FW
    Freddrick Weiser's avatar

    Freddrick Weiser

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Nice two hour cruise on the open sea.

    Have seen Hectors Dolphins, penguins and seals, Staff are very helpful and nice.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2017

    AUSTRIA
    MD
    Mike Dw's avatar

    Mike Dw

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We had a great time using this company.

    The boat is modern, funky and clean with various seating options. We sat upfront - be prepared to get wet on rocky days - but this was all part of the fun! Very informative throughout and we were also entertained on board by Buster the dolphin-hearing dog. We were given a complimentary drink on arrival (wine, beer or soft) and an enormously tasty home baked cookie during the cruise. A storm had just passed through Akaroa the day before, so we were advised the cruise would be rough (TIP: If you are prone to sea sickness, purchase some Sealegs tablets from the Akaroa pharmacy at least an hour before. Worked wonders for us and ensured we enjoyed the cruise, no matter how rough the sea was). Because of the weather conditions, the route was slightly limited but we still saw plenty of seals and geographical sights. We did catch a short and unexpected glimpse of a dolphin - they just didn't want to make a big appearance that day - which is apparently quite rare. We would definitely use this company again. Great value and excellent customer service and communication to ensure the cruise still went ahead safely, despite the lingering bad weather.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    UNITED KINGDOM
    T
    The Beans's avatar

    The Beans

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Knowledgeable captain.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

    UNITED KINGDOM
    RD
    Ross D's avatar

    Ross D

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Small boat and friendly hosts, special dolphins and penguin detector.

    Wonderful landscapes and very interesting wildlife, with 100% chance to see dolphins and seals (and sometimes penguins).

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    FRANCE
    N
    Nolwen's avatar

    Nolwen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing and super friendly staff.

    Free drinks and cookies. Family owned. Our guide was really putting an effort in to get us to see some dolphins. We saw lots of em plus seals, penguins and albatross. Definitely worth the money.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

    GERMANY
    PP
    Peter Passlack's avatar

    Peter Passlack

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely pleasant experience.

    They provide complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks and cookies as promised. The crews are informative and friendly. The cruise is comfortable with toilet on board. The Dolphins are lovely and they happily swim around the cruise. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in September 2016

    MALAYSIA
    CW
    Chea Hao Wong's avatar

    Chea Hao Wong

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome trip, you have to be patient, it took us three attempts to swim with the dolphins but well worth the wait.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    CS
    Caroline Shaw's avatar

    Caroline Shaw

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful cruise, nice people, we saw dolphins and seals.

    We loved Hector, the dog on the boat, He barked when he saw or heard dolphins - so cute.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    NETHERLANDS
    BO
    Brenda Oomen's avatar

    Brenda Oomen

    Customer

  • 3.0/5

    A good organised company, we saw dolphins and swimmed in the sea, but the dolphins went away, so we got some money back.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2009

    GERMANY
    Ju
    JudithLehr's avatar

    JudithLehr

    Customer

    Our company "Akaroa Dolphins" does not have a permitt to swim with dolphins, we offer a two hour wildlife cruise and would hope to show you not only our very special and rare Hectors Dolphins but also NZ fur seals,Little Blue Penguins, visit sea caves and have a really good look around Akaroa's Beautiful volcanic harbour. If you are ever in Akaroa again please come and visit us at 65 Beach Road and you will be guaranteed an unforgettable experience.

    Regards

    The Akaroa Dolphins Team.

  • 3.0/5

    Are mainly interested in doing business.

    Not very helpful. Short information and too strict.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2010

    SWITZERLAND
    SS
    Susanne Strassmann's avatar
  • 4.5/5

    Really lovely staff and beautiful scenery.

    Informative and interesting commentary from the skipper.

    We managed to catch a glimpse of a hectors dolphin and saw seals and little penguins.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in April 2021

    NEW ZEALAND
    LC
    Lucy C's avatar

    Lucy C

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Fab boat, spectacular day, lots of interesting facts and info, saw the Hector dolphins mothers and babies, and the local seals basking in the sun.

    Had a wonderful time and highly recommend.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2021

    C
    Christine's avatar

    Christine

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    We had a really fantastic trip with Akaroa dolphins on their.

    3x adults and 4 children. There were only about 20x people on the boat as it was a weekday. This made the experience as it felt like we had the boat to ourselves at times. So many spaces to sit and enjoy the cruise. We saw lots of Hector dolphins which made it so special. We also saw seals on the rocks. We were amazed by some of the beautiful scenery we got to enjoy. To top it off we were given a complimentary drink and baking and enjoyed having the dolphin trackerdog on board.. Our family loved our trip so much. Would definitely recommend. The boat appears brand new!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2021

    TC
    Tracey Cron's avatar

    Tracey Cron

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely great trip.

    We've seen a lot of hector dolphines, penguins and even seals. Great kind staff and a stunning landscappe. Absolute worth the money!!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2019

    GERMANY
    IH
    Inga Hoffmann's avatar

    Inga Hoffmann

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Great cruise, friendly staff and knowledgeable captain.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2018

    BELGIUM
    FW
    Freddrick Weiser's avatar

    Freddrick Weiser

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Nice two hour cruise on the open sea.

    Have seen Hectors Dolphins, penguins and seals, Staff are very helpful and nice.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2017

    AUSTRIA
    MD
    Mike Dw's avatar

    Mike Dw

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Knowledgeable captain.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

    UNITED KINGDOM
    RD
    Ross D's avatar

    Ross D

    Customer

  • 4.5/5

    Small boat and friendly hosts, special dolphins and penguin detector.

    Wonderful landscapes and very interesting wildlife, with 100% chance to see dolphins and seals (and sometimes penguins).

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    FRANCE
    N
    Nolwen's avatar

    Nolwen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    We had a great time using this company.

    The boat is modern, funky and clean with various seating options. We sat upfront - be prepared to get wet on rocky days - but this was all part of the fun! Very informative throughout and we were also entertained on board by Buster the dolphin-hearing dog. We were given a complimentary drink on arrival (wine, beer or soft) and an enormously tasty home baked cookie during the cruise. A storm had just passed through Akaroa the day before, so we were advised the cruise would be rough (TIP: If you are prone to sea sickness, purchase some Sealegs tablets from the Akaroa pharmacy at least an hour before. Worked wonders for us and ensured we enjoyed the cruise, no matter how rough the sea was). Because of the weather conditions, the route was slightly limited but we still saw plenty of seals and geographical sights. We did catch a short and unexpected glimpse of a dolphin - they just didn't want to make a big appearance that day - which is apparently quite rare. We would definitely use this company again. Great value and excellent customer service and communication to ensure the cruise still went ahead safely, despite the lingering bad weather.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in November 2016

    UNITED KINGDOM
    T
    The Beans's avatar

    The Beans

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Amazing and super friendly staff.

    Free drinks and cookies. Family owned. Our guide was really putting an effort in to get us to see some dolphins. We saw lots of em plus seals, penguins and albatross. Definitely worth the money.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in October 2016

    GERMANY
    PP
    Peter Passlack's avatar

    Peter Passlack

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Absolutely pleasant experience.

    They provide complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks and cookies as promised. The crews are informative and friendly. The cruise is comfortable with toilet on board. The Dolphins are lovely and they happily swim around the cruise. Highly recommended.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in September 2016

    MALAYSIA
    CW
    Chea Hao Wong's avatar

    Chea Hao Wong

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome trip, you have to be patient, it took us three attempts to swim with the dolphins but well worth the wait.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    CS
    Caroline Shaw's avatar

    Caroline Shaw

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Wonderful cruise, nice people, we saw dolphins and seals.

    We loved Hector, the dog on the boat, He barked when he saw or heard dolphins - so cute.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    NETHERLANDS
    BO
    Brenda Oomen's avatar

    Brenda Oomen

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    An incredible experience, one of the best memories I have ever had!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in March 2016

    FRANCE
    PM
    Pierre Mathis's avatar

    Pierre Mathis

    Customer

  • 4.0/5

    You can see the worlds smartest dolphins and swim with them!

    After hours in the (cold) water you get hot chocolate and back at the office you can take a hot shower! Only problem is sometimes you cannot see many dolphins but then you get some money back.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2016

    GERMANY
    K
    Kim-Lara's avatar

    Kim-Lara

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Nice and friendly team, good service and they showed us more than just the dolphins.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2016

    GERMANY
    T
    Tamara's avatar

    Tamara

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Excellent cruise for our last day in NZ!

    Hector dolphins, birds, penguins, seals & amazing scenery! The crew was very professional & nice, great memories before our flight!

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2016

    AUSTRALIA
    ED
    Estelle Daniel's avatar

    Estelle Daniel

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Excellent experience, we came very very close to the dolphins, very individual handled.

    We recommend the guys fom Akaroa Dolphins

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2016

    UNITED STATES
    SP
    Sandra P's avatar

    Sandra P

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Great nature cruise through Akaroa Harbour.

    Family owned business. Incredibly friendly hosts.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2015

    GERMANY
    MS
    Marie Schmid's avatar

    Marie Schmid

    Customer

  • 5.0/5

    Excellent staff, value for money, considerate boatmanship, wonderful dolphin dog!

    Altogether a great deal and worth every penny! Saw dolphins and more.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in January 2015

    AUSTRALIA
    AC
    Angie Cairns's avatar

    Angie Cairns

    Customer