Swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura, a very special experience in the waters off the Kaikoura Coast where dolphins and other sea mammals are numerous. They come to feed in the rich waters, where deep sea trenches generate nutrient laden currents.

A dream for many of us is to swim with or watch dolphins in the wild! Since the summer of 1989-90 Dolphin Encounter has operated tours to the dusky dolphins found traditionally quite close to shore at Kaikoura. Whether you choose to view from the boat or swim in the dolphin’s natural environment, you will have a unique experience that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Dolphin Encounter’s point of difference is the fact that we have the highest success rate for locating the marine mammals and swimming with dolphins than anywhere in New Zealand. Numbers of dusky dolphins vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions, but generally pods from 100 dolphins to 1000 dolphins can be found off the Kaikoura Coast.

The Dolphin Encounter tour is an open ocean experience and for maximum enjoyment participants who choose to swim need to have a reasonable level of snorkeling experience. Swimming with dolphins demands a reasonable level of physical fitness for those wishing to participate. All clients need to have swimming ability and a good degree of water confidence. Minimum age for swimming participation is 8 yrs. The entire tour is approximately three and a half hours in duration and very often we observe other marine life on the tours such as the New Zealand Fur Seal, Albatross and occasionally Orca.

All snorkeling equipment as well as wetsuits are provided for swimmers on the tour. You will need to bring a swimsuit, towel, warm clothing, daypack and a camera.

Tours are scheduled for 5.30am, 8.30am 12.30pm daily, except Christmas Day

Tours have a total duration of approximately three to three and a half hours and a complete guided commentary is given throughout the tour.