In 1991 Dolphin Discoveries led the field in Dolphin and Whale watching and Swimming with Dolphins in New Zealand.

• Swim alongside dolphins in the wild (conditions permitting)
• Dolphins viewed on 96% of trips
• Dolphin viewing Lifetime guarantee
• first Department of Conservation licensed company in the North Island of New Zealand

With the warmest water in New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is the perfect choice for your swimming with dolphins experience.

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Swimming with the Dolphins

You can swim alongside dolphins in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Northland (conditions permitting). The ultimate dolphin eco-adventure aboard our high speed luxury catamaran, with easy access to the water. More Information

Discover the Bay 'Hole in the Rock' Cruise 

Join us for the ultimate Bay of Islands experience. You will visit the world famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, see an abundance of marine mammals and wildlife and learn of the rich history and culture whilst cruising amongst the 144 stunning islands. More Information

Swimming with the Dolphins

Join in the ultimate marine mammal experience. Swim with the Bay of Islands dolphins (conditions permitting) and sometimes see the magnificent semi-resident baleen whales, penguins, and other wildlife amidst the spectacular marine environment of the Bay of Islands.

The relatively sheltered and food rich waters of the Bay of Islands makes it a popular area for marine mammals to frequent. Viewing marine mammals and swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat is a privilege and a truly remarkable experience aboard the purpose built 14.6 metre catamaran of Dolphin Discoveries.

Resident and visiting mammals include both bottlenose and common dolphin. Sometimes seen are a variety of whale species including: Orca (killer whales), Brydes, Pilot, Minke, Sei, Humpback, and very rarely the Blue Whale. Other species that may be encountered include the New Zealand fur seal plus blue penguins, gannets and various other sea birds.

A short briefing is given before a 'swim' takes place when passengers are given the option of wetsuits & snorkelling gear and instructed on how to behave while interacting with the dolphins. Hot showers are available for use after swimming. Complimentary tea/coffee is usually served after a swim takes place, or alternatively, near the end of the tour.

Species information is available on the tours and expert staff are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge to make your tour with wild dolphins and whales the experience of a lifetime.

The dolphins are in their natural environment and are not enticed to the boats by any artificial means. Although the dolphins may swim very close at times they are completely wild and this is not the "Flipper" type dolphin touching experience many may envisage.

Being conscious of the need to protect the dolphins and not to interfere with their natural behavior, there is no guarantee that a swim with dolphins will take place on every trip. Feeding and resting times may have to be respected and most importantly not to interfere with the bonding between a mother and her young. Therefore, some trips will be viewing only. The boat crews are fully experienced in assessing the situation at any given time. While every endeavor is made to obtain situations where swimming with the dolphins is possible, the health and wellbeing of the dolphins is the first priority. Conditions - more details

Tours sometimes operate in the open ocean and can be subject to the elements of open water, swell and wind. These conditions can result in clients becoming seasick and suitable precautions should be taken by those who are susceptible.

Consolation for no sightings....the company offer......
"On occasion, we may not see dolphins or a whale, as we are dealing with wild mammals in their natural habitat. Should this happen we will offer each passenger a complimentary voucher which is valid indefinitely, and allows you to go on the trip again free of charge. (This offer is not a money back guarantee)".

Discover the Bay ' Hole in the Rock Cruise

New Zealand’s most comprehensive eco-tour of the historic and picturesque Bay of Islands Discover the Bay Eco-Cruise Includes:

• Experience the world famous ‘Hole in the Rock’
• Dolphin, whale, birds and other wildlife viewing
• Exclusive private island stop visiting one of NZ’s most significant Maori Pa’s (fortified village)
• Enjoy one of the Bay of Islands most beautiful beaches
• Learn about the Kiwi Recovery and conservation restoration program on Moturua Island
• Cruise amongst the 144 stunning islands

Join us for the ultimate Bay of Islands experience. Visit the world famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, see an abundance of marine mammals and wildlife and learn of the rich history and culture whilst cruising amongst the 144 stunning islands. The only ‘Hole in the Rock’ trip with a lifetime dolphin viewing guarantee.

Dolphin Discoveries was the first Department of Conservation licensed operator for dolphin and whale watching in the North Island. Our knowledgeable and local guides are extremely experienced and will educate you on the Bay of Islands and ensure you get the most from your cruise.

Our Discover the Bay Cruise is now the most comprehensive and educational half day sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands. The four hour morning cruise incorporates an exclusive island stop at Moturua Island, landing at Hahangarua Bay (Norwegian Bay). It is here that passengers will sight and experience one of the most significant historic places in New Zealand, Paeroa Pa. The afternoon cruise is 3 hours duration and does not include the island visit.

During the cruise we screen ‘Conflict of Cultures’ (1772) which presents the historic battle ground and bringing to life with a computerized video presentation tales of early trade, betrayal, bloody revenge and massacre between the Maori Chief Te Kuri and the French Captain Marion Du Fresne. During the stop our crew will give a commentary of the Pa site history and show the ecological features of this unique area.