Slip into crystal-clear Pacific waters alongside hundreds of acrobatic dusky dolphins — a bucket-list swim that puts you inside one of the world's most spectacular wild dolphin populations.
What to expect
After a wetsuit fitting and marine-biology briefing, guests board a purpose-built vessel to find the pods — typically 100–500 dolphins strong. Once in the water, guides coach you to sing and spin to attract the dolphins' curiosity; the animals respond by diving, spiralling, and bow-riding inches away. Both swimmers and observers experience magic. Tours run approximately 3 hours.
Good to know
Book directly at encounterkaikoura.co.nz; morning departures offer calmer seas and the most playful dolphin behaviour. Wetsuits and snorkels are provided. Confirm your all-aboard time — the operator is accustomed to cruise schedules. Non-swimmers can observe from the boat at the lower observer rate.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Kaikoura — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.