Swim with the world's rarest dolphin and smallest oceanic dolphin only found here in New Zealand. Only in Akaroa

We’re confident that you’ll see the Hector’s Dolphin on our excursions. In the unlikely event you don’t see a Hector’s dolphin, we’ll love for you to join us again – you’ll receive an open dated Akaroa Nature Re-Cruise voucher for another chance to see these magical creatures.

Just bring your swimming costume and a towel, your phone and sunblock are not essential but advisable. Everything else is provided for you including a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves and a hood if necessary. You can hire or purchase a towel from us if you forget to bring one.

YES.  You need to be confident in the water and capable of swimming at least 50 metres. If you cannot swim you can still join us on the boat as a watcher. Obviously, the water is over your head and a degree of confidence in swimming is required.

Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions which may limit their participation.

If you are prone to suffer from sea sickness we advise taking an anti-sea sickness tablet before checking in for your swim. Different varieties take different amounts of time to start working so make sure you give yourself this time before heading out on the water. We also offer pressure point wrist bands, however, it is best to attempt to stop the potential sea sickness before it starts. If you suffer from asthma it is essential to bring your inhaler with you to take out on the boat for your own safety.

No. These dolphins have extremely sensitive skin and a slight touch may bruise or hurt the dolphin.  A nail may scratch the surface of their skin causing infections.

Yes these dolphins are completely wild.

No. We must not disturb their natural diet and feeding habits.

Yes. If you are swimming you must be at least 8 years old. Children between 8 and 12 inclusive must also be accompanied by an adult swimmer. If you are booking with us as a spectator there is no age restriction. Please see the child swimmer info below…

Yes – Children can swim, but there are some rules:

• Children must be aged 8 years or older.
• Children aged 8-12 years old must be accompanied by an Adult swimmer in the water.
• All Children (16 years or younger) must be accompanied (on the vessel) by an Adult or guardian 18 years or older.
• Children must be fit and confident swimmers – our swim experience takes place in the ocean.

We have been operating dolphin swimming for 20 years now and have never had a problem with sharks.  Generally if there are sharks around then the dolphins will be nowhere to be seen.

In the summer the water temperature is around 17 degrees Celsius, in winter this usually decreases to around 11 degrees.  We have high-quality thick wetsuits which keep you warm in the water. We also have booties, gloves and hoodies.

In order to provide the best advice please call the wharf to enquire (0800 436 574) before booking. 

We have hosted many customers with disabilities, however, it is our duty to ensure the care and safety of our guests with the utmost respect and understanding. 

If you have a strong support swimmer and have experience swimming in the ocean then it may be possible. Our swim boats are not accessible by wheelchairs so a degree of mobility is required to board the vessel. If we feel safety is compromised then a swim will not be possible. 

You may have recently been alerted to the news that a swimming with dolphins operator in the Bay of Islands (North Island, New Zealand) has recently ended its tourism operation due to the declining numbers of Bottlenose dolphins.

This is isolated to the Bay of Islands only. Black Cat Cruises Swimming with Dolphins experience in Akaroa (South Island, New Zealand) continues to operate as normal as our Hector’s dolphin population remains stable.

Black Cat Cruises prides itself on working with dolphin researchers to ensure the Hector’s dolphin population is protected and cared for. As the largest tourism operator in Banks Peninsula and one with a strong reliance on our natural environment, we strive to be a leader in environment management programmes.