I can't begin to describe how amazing this experience was.

The guides were super friendly and informative, the equipment was great and swimming with the seals was one of the best experiences of my life. You can relax and float around while seals swim right up and interact with you. When you turn away from them they are so playful and interested that they follow. There are hundreds of seals on the rocks surrounding you and I even saw some seal pups. I had gone swimming with the dolphins the day prior and if I were to choose between the two this would be my pick. If you can bring an underwater camera I'd absolutely recommend it because you will want to relive this experience over and over again.

Reviewed over 3 years ago

This is a must do.

Such a surreal experience swimming up close and personal with so many beautiful seals. And what made it even better was it being a kiwi family run business, the hosts are fantastic; they're friendly, funny and educational. Loved this!

Reviewed over 7 years ago

I Washington on holiday With my friend looking for an ecofriendly activity and looking to swim with the seals .

This company offered us a great experience and a better understanding of the wildlife

We recommend it warmly and hope to go backbone day!

Thanks guys

Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in February 2014

We came to Kaikoura specifically to do this seal swim and it was all that we had hoped for!

I highly recommend that even though the road from Kaikoura to Picton is closed, you should still come to Kaikoura and explore the town. It is a quaint ocean town and well worth the visit. I highly recommend the Seal Swim encounter as well! I took my 11 yr old and 13 year old daughters and they won't ever forget this experience!

Reviewed almost 8 years ago

Absolutely incredible!

You won't get any closer to wild seals in their native habitat! They are so cute!

Reviewed over 8 years ago

Great family run business - however seems to be slightly abrupt and unwelcoming on booking.

Had a great day and swam with seals darting towards and around me.

Was great to be in the water with them!

Reviewed over 9 years ago and experienced in March 2015

This is a not to be missed experience in Kaikoura my girlfriend and I were lucky enough to swim with both dolphins and seals in Kaikoura and the seals won hands down for us.

The team at seal swim are friendly and relaxed but they are nothing compared to the seals, happy to hang in the water upside down staring inquisitively into your snorkel mask for hours, before playing hide and seek in and out of the rocks and kelp.

This is not just about the seals it is a complete underwater experience into the marine life around Kaikoura.

I hope you choose to take the trip and enjoy it as much as we did, good luck!

Reviewed over 10 years ago

A lot more fun than swimming with dolphins.

If I would have to devicide between these two, I would choose this.

Good organization, good spot, I would do this again.

Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in February 2011

Wow! I just got back from this and feel compelled to share the experience.

We had a 1:45 check in time, but they knew right way they were running a little behind and advised we return at 2:00. At 2:00 we came in on the conversation that the primary site was rough and had poor visibility and that they would like to change to a secondary site, but that would mean a 30 min delay. Since we had nothing else planned and wanted the best possible experience we opted for the wait.

At 2:30 they got all 5 of us (myself, my wife, my twin 11 year old boys and my 6 year old daughter) suited up in thick wet suits, all of good quality, complete with hoods, good quality snorkels and masks, and fins. We jumped on a custom made bus clearly designed to haul sopping wet passengers.

It was wise to wait for the second site. A short ride in a nice boat to the seal rookery and we were in the cold water, but quickly we warmed up in the wet suits, and there were seals around us within a minute. There were a total of about 12 people on the trip.

We spent a full hour in the water and nearly all of the time was contact time with the seals. We were in their natural environment, in the ocean, but in an area with calm clear water. Around us we saw cormorants, albatrosses, and even little penguins. We'd actually had enough time in the water and got out on our own before they suggested we come back in.

This is a family run business and they really do know their stuff. They clearly care about the seals and giving everyone a good experience. I think this is an opportunity, if you're in the area, that everyone should consider high on their list. The price is reasonable, and it's an opportunity that may not be here forever.

Reviewed almost 14 years ago