Each cruise is a little different, depending on the weather, sea conditions, and wildlife on the day. You’ll spend around two hours exploring Akaroa Harbour, with the chance to see endangered Hector’s dolphins, fur seal colonies, marine birds, and dramatic volcanic sea cliffs. Your skipper will also share stories about Akaroa’s unique history and environment throughout the journey.

We recommend bringing layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly on the water. A waterproof or windproof jacket is highly recommended. Don’t forget your camera for amazing photo opportunities, sunglasses, sunblock (especially in summer), and any personal medication you may need.

We are proud to be New Zealand’s original eco-tourism operator, with 40 years of experience sharing the magic of Akaroa Harbour. As one of the few companies licensed to operate within the Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary, we offer unforgettable encounters with rare Hector’s dolphins, NZ fur seals, and penguins set against dramatic volcanic cliffs.

Your experience is enhanced aboard the Canterbury Cat, a spacious and stable catamaran designed for comfort and wildlife viewing. Guests enjoy two viewing levels with panoramic harbour views, a comfortable indoor cabin with large windows for all-weather cruising, and a smooth ride ideal for photography and relaxed sightseeing.

Every journey is led by passionate local skippers who bring the harbour’s history, wildlife, and geology to life. By cruising with us, you also directly support local marine conservation and community projects.

Yes! We offer complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water during your cruise. Our vessel also features a fully licensed bar where you can purchase local beer, wine, and additional snacks while enjoying the view from our indoor or outdoor decks.

Our Akaroa Nature Cruise is a 2-hour tour. This duration allows ample time to explore the stunning volcanic harbour, discover sea caves, and encounter the incredible wildlife and dolphins without feeling rushed.

Definitely. In addition to Hector’s dolphins, we regularly encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, Little Blue Penguins (White-flippered), and various native seabirds. We also cruise past incredible volcanic formations, sea caves, and a local salmon farm.

Live! Our Akaroa Nature Cruises are led by an experienced skipper and a passionate crew who love sharing their knowledge. Throughout your journey, our Black Cat Cruises team provides engaging live commentary, bringing Akaroa’s rich history, unique geology, and incredible wildlife conservation efforts to life. You’ll hear fascinating insights about Hector’s dolphins, local seabirds, fur seals, and the harbour’s volcanic origins, making your cruise both memorable and informative.

Absolutely and children under 5 are free! Our Akaroa Nature Cruise is a fantastic experience for all ages from babies to seniors and is very family-friendly. Children particularly love seeing the dolphins and seals. Our crew is experienced in engaging younger passengers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable time for the whole family. There are also fun kids activities available onboard such as colouring in.

No, prams are not permitted on board for safety reasons. Our vessel has multiple viewing levels and narrow passageways; keeping these clear is essential for safe movement and emergency access. We highly recommend using a front pack for your cruise instead. If you do arrive with a pram, we can store this safely for you at our check-in area.

You can book directly through our website 24/7 for instant confirmation. Alternatively, you can visit one of our booking offices or call us on 0800 436 574 (within NZ).

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and JBC credit cards for online bookings. At our physical ticketing offices, we also accept EFTPOS and cash.

No, you can simply show your digital booking confirmation on your phone at check-in.

If you need to change or cancel your booking, please notify us at least 24 hours prior to your check-in time. Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable.

Your safety is our highest priority. If the forecasted sea conditions are deemed unsafe by the Skipper we will strive to contact you as soon as possible. In this case we offer a full refund or you can transfer your booking to another date.

Refunds are not provided for "no-shows." We recommend arriving at least 15–20 minutes early to ensure you have plenty of time for check-in and boarding.

You will need to be confident swimming in open-sea conditions and able to swim at least 50 metres unaided. Our swim encounters take place within or outside Akaroa Harbour, where the water ranges from 15–30 metres deep, and life jackets cannot be worn while in the water. A good basic level of fitness is required. You will need to swim to and from the boat – distances up to 50 metres (150 feet) at a time and will be required to tread water.

Yes. You will be swimming with dolphins in their completely natural environment. Because they are wild animals, we operate under a "swim on their terms" philosophy. This means we do not use sonar to find them, nor do we chase or harass them; any interaction is based entirely on the dolphins' own curiosity and choice to approach the boat.

No. To protect the health and natural behaviours of these endangered animals, touching or feeding them is strictly prohibited. As a wild species, it is vital that they remain independent of human contact and artificial food sources.

Yes. We operate under a strict Department of Conservation (DOC) permit. Our "swim on their terms" philosophy ensures we never chase or harass the dolphins; we only interact with them when they choose to approach the boat or swimmers.

While the ocean is a natural habitat for many species, we have been operating for nearly 40 years and have never had a safety issue involving sharks. Dolphins and sharks generally do not frequent the same immediate space, so generally if there are sharks around then the dolphins will be nowhere to be seen.

If you have any medical conditions including Asthma, heart conditions, or recent surgeries please enter these on our Pre Arrival Checkin required to be completed 48 hrs before your tour.

Please know if you have Asthma or other Allergies and use an inhaler or have an epi pen it is essential that you bring these with you on the boat for your own safety. *If you don’t bring your inhaler you will not be able to participate in the experience.*

You will be swimming with the Hector’s dolphin, which is not only the world’s rarest but also the smallest oceanic dolphin. They are found exclusively in New Zealand, making this a truly unique encounter.

Absolutely! You are welcome to bring waterproof cameras. We highly recommend using a wrist strap, as the harbour is deep and dropped items are unlikely to be recovered.

Please know that there are no statistics to show that time of day increases viewing or swim success rates. Nor have we seen any particular trends in our time on the water. We recommend booking the departure that works best for your travel plans.

We strive to be as inclusive as possible. Because the tour involves boarding a vessel and swimming in the open ocean, please contact us in advance so we can discuss your specific needs and ensure we can accommodate you safely.

Yes. For safety reasons, all swimmers must be able to understand and speak conversational English to ensure they can follow safety instructions and emergency procedures provided by the crew.

Our swimming with dolphins tours offer a more intimate experience, with a maximum of 12 swimmers, allowing for greater personal attention from the Skipper and Guide.

As wild animals, their behaviour is entirely on their terms. We are committed to ensuring any interaction respects their natural environment. While it can be disappointing when a swim is not possible, we believe this unpredictability is part of what makes encountering wildlife so special and sustainable for future generations.

In the unlikely event that no dolphins are sighted, we offer a re-cruise voucher for our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.

Children must be at least 8 years old to swim. Those aged 8–12 must be accompanied in the water by an adult swimmer at all times.