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wildlife · Rabaul

Swimming with Wild Dolphins in the Bismarck Sea: Private Boat Charter

Join a private speedboat charter into the sparkling Bismarck Sea where pods of wild spinner and bottlenose dolphins are regular companions, and slip into the warm water to swim alongside them in their natural habitat. A profoundly joyful, utterly exclusive bucket-list moment in one of the world's least-visited seas.

What to expect

Your private skipper — a local with decades of knowledge of dolphin gathering grounds around the harbour mouth and outer islands — navigates to the pods with quiet precision. Once alongside, you ease into the clear, warm water as spinner dolphins spiral and leap around you, apparently as curious about you as you are about them. The outer reefs offer bonus snorkelling over pristine coral gardens untouched by mass tourism. A cooling tropical drink and fresh fruit await on board as you return.

Book it with
ToursByLocals – Rabaul Private Guides
From USD 128 per tour (private boat charter, up to 10 people; fuel and snorkel gear typically included)
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Good to know

Best experienced in morning hours when dolphins are most active and sea conditions are calmest. Confirm the charter includes snorkel masks and fins. Combine with a visit to Rapopo Plantation Resort for a sunset sundowner on the way back to port. Book ToursByLocals well in advance of your cruise date.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Rabaul — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Regent · Seven Seas Navigator
9 nights · calls at Rabaul
from $4,899
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Seabourn · Seabourn Pursuit
22 nights · calls at Rabaul
from $24,224
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Princess · Coral Princess
28 nights · calls at Rabaul
from $4,350
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Holland America · Westerdam
42 nights · calls at Rabaul
from $6,754
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See all cruises to Rabaul →
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