Curio Bay Dolphin Watch
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Curio Bay Dolphin Watch
See dolphins in their natural habitat from the beach at Curio Bay
Hector's dolphins are a common sight at Curio/Porpoise Bay in South Otago's Catlins. A resident population of around 15 dolphins use the bay to play, feed and rest.
The NZ summer and autumn seasons (November through May) are the best time to see these small and rare dolphins at Curio Bay.
Please take care around these special creatures - don't feed them or chase them; they'll come to you when they want to.
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South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Waikawa |
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Dolphin Watching
Nearby
Reviews
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2.0/5
October 2020, The penguins came in at 8:50 pm in, but they were so far away and it was so dark by that time that it was nearly impossible to see them.
Big disappointment. Pretty beach though.
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4.5/5
Sat in the morning for sunrise between 6.20-7.20 Bt saw no dolphins.
Although, I hear people saw them sitting out on the headland at sunrise the day before. Beautiful view anyway! And I saw a penguin yesterday night at the other bay around 20.40pm. Been here mid Feb.
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5.0/5
Stunning beach, rain or shine.
Hector’s dolphins playing in the swell with the swimmers and surfers. 2 cafes and a campervan site in close proximity. Lovely walk around the headland. Well worth a stop.
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4.5/5
Beautiful beach.
And absolutely amazing with a group of dolphins swimming around us in the waves for quite a while. So long that it got too cold, and we had to get out of the water (it was the end of March) In the evening we saw one Pinguin at the petrified Forrest. All in all a super spot in NZ. Only minus was the water temperature and the sandflies.
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5.0/5
We arrived at this beautiful beach on the afternoon and after waiting for 30 min we saw a couple of dolphins.
It was amazing! They were very close! But it was so cold, so I could not imagine swimming with them... I regret to don't sleep 1 night in that place. In the other side, we also could see penguins, so it was perfect!
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5.0/5
It was a not a paid activity which makes it more amazing.
I will never forget swimming with a dolphin in this natural habitat.
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5.0/5
Around 20 wild dolphins live at Curio Bay and if you are lucky you can swim with them.
Even without the dolphins the bay is beautiful and a nice place to relax.
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4.5/5
Spectacular location.
The bay is a shelter for a lot of dolphins. Also beautiful for surfing and just hanging around.
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5.0/5
A-MA-ZING!
You can watch the dolphins from very close and even swim between them! They're not scared at all, really lovely. Although the water is freezing cold... But really worth it, and free!
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2.0/5
October 2020, The penguins came in at 8:50 pm in, but they were so far away and it was so dark by that time that it was nearly impossible to see them.
Big disappointment. Pretty beach though.
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4.5/5
Sat in the morning for sunrise between 6.20-7.20 Bt saw no dolphins.
Although, I hear people saw them sitting out on the headland at sunrise the day before. Beautiful view anyway! And I saw a penguin yesterday night at the other bay around 20.40pm. Been here mid Feb.
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4.5/5
Beautiful beach.
And absolutely amazing with a group of dolphins swimming around us in the waves for quite a while. So long that it got too cold, and we had to get out of the water (it was the end of March) In the evening we saw one Pinguin at the petrified Forrest. All in all a super spot in NZ. Only minus was the water temperature and the sandflies.
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5.0/5
Stunning beach, rain or shine.
Hector’s dolphins playing in the swell with the swimmers and surfers. 2 cafes and a campervan site in close proximity. Lovely walk around the headland. Well worth a stop.
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5.0/5
We arrived at this beautiful beach on the afternoon and after waiting for 30 min we saw a couple of dolphins.
It was amazing! They were very close! But it was so cold, so I could not imagine swimming with them... I regret to don't sleep 1 night in that place. In the other side, we also could see penguins, so it was perfect!
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5.0/5
It was a not a paid activity which makes it more amazing.
I will never forget swimming with a dolphin in this natural habitat.
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5.0/5
Around 20 wild dolphins live at Curio Bay and if you are lucky you can swim with them.
Even without the dolphins the bay is beautiful and a nice place to relax.
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4.5/5
Spectacular location.
The bay is a shelter for a lot of dolphins. Also beautiful for surfing and just hanging around.
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5.0/5
A-MA-ZING!
You can watch the dolphins from very close and even swim between them! They're not scared at all, really lovely. Although the water is freezing cold... But really worth it, and free!
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5.0/5
Great to see dolphins swimming out at sea whilst sunbathing/swim in sea.
In evening watch the penguins come ashore and looking at fossil forest. Clambering over rocks. All free - carpark included!
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4.5/5
Beautiful landscape, nice campsite, cliffs, beach, ocean and dolphins coming to the beach.
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5.0/5
Just awesome!
Got into the water and waited while the dolphins passed by. But the water was pretty cold.
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5.0/5
One of my favourite experiences in New Zealand.
Dolphins came very close to the beach and swam around people.
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5.0/5
Damn cold water.
Make sure you will take neo socks and body neoprene. You can also borrow one but only with a surf. If you are lucky dolphins will make a show for you.
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5.0/5
The dolphins swim really close to the beach and if you get in the water they stay next to you.
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5.0/5
We saw them very close to the beach, went into water and they were swimming around us.
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5.0/5
Amazing experience with very few tourists (not mentioned in travel guide) to spend hours with dolphins (Hector Dolphins), that come and play in the waves at the bay with you.
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4.5/5
The rare Hector's dolphins are common visitors at that beach and even if the water is really cold they will come right next to you and you do not have to pay anything :-)
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4.5/5
Very nice campground (location) and nice people.
Good information. We have seen Hector Dolphins and Yellow Eyed Penguins.
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4.5/5
Hector Dolphins can be watched from the campsite and even to swim with them is sometimes possible.
