SWIMMING WITH WILD HECTORS DOLPHINS TOUR IN AKAROA, NEW ZEALAND: OUR HONEST REVIEW!

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This is the ultimate guide for Black Cat Cruise’s epic “Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa” tour, rated with a Badge of Excellence of Viator!

Includes: The best swimming with Akaroa dolphins tour operator, our in-depth tour review on what to expect, prices, what to bring, where to stay in Akaroa and more!

SWIMMING WITH WILD DOLPHINS IN AKAROA:
AN INTRODUCTION

Our review below of Black Cat Cruise’s “Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa” tour are a reflection of our true and honest personal experiences of this exact tour, that we had the joy of taking part in whilst we were road tripping the South Island of New Zealand.

We had a brilliant time, and wanted to share our personal experience and tips for this tour with you:

THE BEST SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IN AKAROA TOUR OPERATOR

For swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa, our recommended tour company (that we have personally used, experienced and loved) is the reputable Black Cat cruises:

ABOUT BLACK CAT CRUISES: WHY BOOK WITH THEM?

THEIR REPUTATION & VALUES
New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, Black Cat Cruises is not only the largest tourism operator in the Banks Peninsula, it also prides itself on being experts in their field, being extremely respectful and compassionate to the Hectors dolphins and reducing its environmental footprint.

Voted as one of the top 10 marine mammal experiences in the world by Lonely Planet, Black Cat Cruises provide a truly wild, magical swimming with dolphins in Akaroa experience which benefits both us and the dolphins.

THEIR VALUES & CONSERVATION EFFORTS
A portion of each ticket is given back to advocating education and integral research to support of these wonderful marine mammals, their habitat and conservation for years to come.

DOLPHIN GUARANTEE POLICY
Black Cat Cruises also offer a “dolphin guarantee policy” for every trip. This means that if, in the extremely rare instance, you do not see a Hectors dolphin on your tour, you will be offered an additional trip free of charge!

Pictured is a photo of Akaroa harbour and Black Cat Cruises main office on the jetty, where you need to sign in for your swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tour! — Akaroa Harbour: Black Cat Cruises main office (blue building) and their eco-vessel moored on the right.

Click to book this “Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa” tour! 🐬🏊

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SWIM WITH HECTORS DOLPHINS WITH BLACK CAT CRUISES?

In 2024, the price to swim with Hectors dolphins with Black Cat Cruises is $210 NZD per adult. This is approximately £110 per person in GBP.

If you simply wanted to spectate instead of swimming, this is a reduced price of $110 NZD per adult (approximately £57 in GBP).

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IN AKAROA TOUR: THE SCHEDULE

ON ARRIVAL

Arrive first at Black Cat Cruises main office (the unmissable blue hut on Akaroa Harbour), to check-in. You will then exchange a bank note or an item of importance (such as a drivers license) as collateral for locker keys, which will be exchanged back at the end of the tour. You will also receive a dry bag to populate with items you need, which is the only bag allowed on the vessel.

GET PREPPED AND SUITED!

Pop round the back to the seating area, where the friendly and informative Black Cat Cruises crew will run through the days itinerary and full briefing on Hectors dolphins. Disperse to the changing rooms to pop on your wetsuit, wetsuit booties and gloves – designed to keep you warm even in colder sea temperatures.

Once suited and booted, head out on Black Cat Cruises eco-vessel for your 3 hour “Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa” tour: the experience of a life time! Enjoy hot chocolates on board and a lovely warm shower on return.

Pictured: All suited in the wetsuit at Black Cat Cruises offices before our epic swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tour and swimming with Hectors dolphins in the wild! — A fun little graphic at Black Cat Cruises main office showing how small the Hectors dolphin really is!

One of the best things to do in New Zealand is a swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tour, where you can swim with the World's rarest and smallest dolphin species - the Hectors dolphin - in the wild! — Pictured: A playful Hectors dolphin swimming with Black Cat Cruises eco-vessel boat in the background.

Click to book this “Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa” tour! 🐬🏊

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS TOUR:

To swim with the Hectors dolphins, you must be a confident swimmer. Life jackets are not provided on board, however if you need additional assistance or extra stability in the water (like me!), there are floating noodles on board for you to use. I would actually recommend you do use one – as in our experience – the Hectors dolphins absolutely loved them and playfully circled and surrounded me!

Make sure to book your tour online with Black Cat Cruises in advance to avoid disappointment. They do 2 trips daily throughout the year, at 9.30am and 12.30pm.

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IN AKAROA:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

WHERE IN NEW ZEALAND CAN YOU SWIM WITH DOLPHINS?

Two of the best places to swim with wild dolphins in New Zealand are Kaikōura and Akaroa, both located on the East coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

While Kaikōura is a great place to swim with wild Dusky dolphins, Akaroa is the best and only place in New Zealand to swim with the World’s smallest and rarest dolphin species: the Hector’s dolphin!

WHAT TYPE OF DOLPHINS ARE FOUND IN AKAROA?

Akaroa town, located on the Banks Peninsula, is special as its bays are home to the highest population of the worlds rarest and smallest dolphin species in the world: the Hectors dolphin!

While the Hectors dolphin are the main star in Akaroas waters, occasionally you also come across some other incredible marine mammals such as humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins and even orcas!

Pictured: A playful Hectors dolphin jumping out of the water, most likely spotted during a Swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tour! — Pictured: Akaroa’s rare dolphin resident – the Hectors Dolphin!

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO SEE HECTOR’S DOLPHINS IN AKAROA?

The Hectors dolphin can only be found in the inshore waters of New Zealand’s South Island, and they do not leave here. Therefore, you can see and swim with Hectors dolphins all year round in Akaroa!

IS AKAROA THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN SWIM WITH THE HECTOR’S DOLPHIN?

Yes! Akaroa is the only place in the world where you can ethically swim with wild Hectors dolphins. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you cannot miss!

Hectors dolphins are commonly spotted just outside of Akaroa Harbour within the slightly deeper inshore waters. You will need to head out on a boat trip to view or swim with the dolphins up close in Akaroa.

Though there are a few boat tour operators available in Akaroa, the most recommended and reputable company you should use when swimming with dolphins in Akaroa is Black Cat Cruises:

FUN FACTS ON AKAROA’S HECTORS DOLPHIN

The Hectors dolphin is the smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin in the world.

They are endemic and only found in the inshore waters of New Zealand’s South Island, with the highest populations residing in Akaroa Harbour. With a territorial range of just 52km, they really do not travel far.

The Hectors dolphin is a protected endangered species, with current population numbers now approximately at 10,000-14,000 – however it once dropped as low as 7,500!

The Hectors dolphin has a life expectancy of 20-25 years.

Hectors dolphins can reach up to 1.4m in length in adulthood, with males being smaller and lighter than females! Hectors dolphins calves are just 60-80cm in length – and are often described as “rugby balls with flippers”!

The Hectors dolphins are grey in colour, however extremely unique by their curved black dorsal fin – which looks adorably like Mickey Mouses ear!

They are extremely playful and fun-loving creatures. When they aren’t feeding, they spend the rest of their time playing and having fun with one another. These humorous little dolphins love to surf the waves and play tag with seaweed!

The Hectors dolphin is very inquisitive, and often willingly approach and play with boats and humans.

The Hectors dolphin was named after Sir James Hector, the founder and creator of the infamous Te Papa museum in Wellington, North Island New Zealand! He examined the first Hectors dolphin specimen that was found. Interested in the Te Papa museum? Catch it on our 10 day North Island itinerary!

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS PACKING LIST

A form of ID (e.g. drivers license).
Your swimsuit.
A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after your tour.
A GoPro / waterproof camera to capture amazing footage!
Or! A waterproof dry bag (with a lanyard!) to take photos and videos on your smartphone instead.
High factor sun cream.
Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
Refillable water bottle.
Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.

ALTERNATIVE BLACK CAT CRUISES TOURS

If you did not want to swim with dolphins in Akaroa, but simply wanted to head out on a wildlife cruise to see Hector’s dolphins, seals and much more in their natural habitat, an alternative tour is the Black Cat Cruises “Akaroa Nature Cruise“:

WHERE TO STAY IN AKAROA

TOP HOTELS TO STAY IN AKAROA:

⭐ Akaroa Coastal Studio

⭐ Cherrywood Cottage, Akaroa

⭐ Mill Cottage, Akaroa

⭐ Akaroa Village Inn

TOP CAMPSITES TO STAY AT IN AKAROA:

There is a TOP 10 Holiday Park in Akaroa, however it is quite expensive. We recommend staying in Duvauchelle Holiday Park, just a short 10 minute drive outside of Akaroa which is slightly more budget friendly.

If available, ask for spot C4 to great view overlooking the beautiful bay with colourful boat sheds. Nice shared showers and toilets, $2 laundry facilities.

Pictured: One of the best places to stay around Akaroa for a swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tour: Duvauchelle Holiday Park, just a 10 minute drive from Akaroa town! — Parked in spot C4 at Duvauchelle Holiday Park, just a 10 minute drive from Akaroa town.

WHERE TO PARK IN AKAROA

Akaroa is a very small town, which does have parking but very small spaces. Luckily, there is a free large public parking area as you enter Akaroa with spaces designed specifically for large vehicles, such as camper vans and coaches.

From here, it is a leisurely 5 minute walk along the bay towards Akaroa’s high street and main Harbour.

ABOUT AKAROA TOWN

WHERE IS AKAROA?

Akaroa is a quaint and quirky seaside town, located in the Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island, snuggled on the incredibly scenic Banks Peninsula. It is just over 1 hour drive from the South Islands largest city, Christchurch.

AKAROA HISTORY

Akaroa was founded by French settlers back in 1840, with its street names still withstanding strong links to its French colonial history. It is a small characterful town full of colour, quirky independent shops and eateries and a bustling Harbour.

Pictured: The quaint small seaside town of Akaroa, the base of the best swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tours and the only place in the World to swim with the rare Hectors dolphins! — Pictured: The quaint town of Akaroa in the Banks Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO IN AKAROA?

After you’ve completed your epic swimming with dolphins in Akaroa tour, spend time exploring the quaint little town, venturing into the beachside cafes and gift shops.

Akaroa also has many short scenic walks to complete with amazing views of the bays.

Fancy getting back out onto the ocean? You can also do a guided morning sea kayaking tour in Akaroa around the harbour, with a very good chance you will see the Hectors dolphins again!

CONCLUSION: SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IN AKAROA TOUR WITH BLACK CAT CRUISES

To conclude, we believe this swimming with Hectors dolphins tour with Black Cat Cruises is worth absolutely it.

You truly will not find a more dedicated and passionate team that truly care about the experience of each of their customers and the well-being of the dolphins.

As soon as you know your dates, don’t hesitate and book your spot on the “Swimming with wild dolphins in Akaroa” tour. You are in safe hands are guaranteed to have the most magical wildlife encounter that you will never forget.

Don’t just take our word for it either, the 131 5* recent reviews on Viator speak for themselves!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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