Cruises Dolphin Eco Experience Multilingual options available

Dolphin Eco Experience

The Bay's most intimate dolphin viewing and swimming experience

Dolphin Eco Experience

Adult ($ nz)

122.00

Child ($ nz)

61.00

Duration

4 hours

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Overview

Cruise the Bay of Islands in search of dolphins and whales. Get up close and personal to these amazing creatures with our low viewing decks, then swim with wild dolphins in the warmest waters in New Zealand.

Book online and save 10%!

Dolphin viewing guarantee
In the unlikely event we're unsuccessful in viewing dolphins or whales on your cruise, we'll offer you a 'Go Again For Free' voucher for another cruise. Conditions apply.
 Marine mammal licence
Fullers GreatSights is licensed by the Department of Conservation to interact with marine mammals.

Tour description

Dolphins are fascinating creatures, and in the Bay of Islands we are blessed with their presence all year round. This eco cruise gives you the chance to get into the water and swim with dolphins as they play in their natural environment (optional extra, conditions permitting). You'll also cruise the many secluded islands of the Bay and gain an insight into this historically significant region.

Highlights
Swim with dolphins in the wild (optional extra)
See dolphins, whales and other wildlife
Low viewing deck and underwater microphones
Limited passenger numbers

This intimate half-day cruise seeks out the many playful dolphins within the sheltered waters of the Bay. We often see bottlenose and common dolphins, baleen whales, orca, seals, fish, penguins and other sea and bird life.

Our experienced crew have specialist knowledge of dolphin behaviour – join them in searching for those tell-tale splashes from our purpose-built dolphin watching boat Tutunui.

With Tutunui's low viewing deck, water jet engines and underwater microphone, and a maximum number of 35 passengers on board, you're guaranteed an up close and personal experience. If conditions permit, jump into the warmest waters in New Zealand and snorkel with these graceful and inquisitive creatures (additional $30 per person) – it'll be an experience you will never forget!

Useful Info

  • BRING:

    Hat, sunscreen and your camera. If you plan to swim, bring a towel and wear your swimsuit under your clothing for convenience. We'll provide snorkels, masks, fins and wetsuits.

  • HEAR:

    A full commentary is provided by your skipper. Printed multilingual maps are available in Chinese, Japanese and German.

  • GOOD TO KNOW:

    Swimming with dolphins costs an additional $30 per person (refundable if swimming does not take place). Swimming with dolphins is subject to the Department of Conservation’s rules and regulations and the skipper’s discretion. Visit our Terms for more.

  • SWIMMING:

    You must be able to swim competently in open water unaided. Children under 8 years are not permitted to swim with dolphins. Children 8-12 years must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Timetable

MORNING Departs Returns
Paihia 8:00 am 12:00 pm
Russell 8:10 am 11:50 am
AFTERNOON Departs Returns
Paihia 12:30 pm 4:30 pm
Russell 12:40 pm 4:20 pm

Please report 15 minutes before departure.

Easy Cancellation

Cancel or change your booking any time before 6pm on the day before departure  - no cancellation fees!

See full booking terms

Reviews

"It’s a lovely way to spend four hours in the Bay. Skipper and crew (Floppy) were excellent and the boat a modern double hull affair, so nice and stable."

Dolphins!

March 2017
Colin H, Tripadvisor

"We had a fabulous afternoon out among the islands looking for dolphins. We found a pod and stayed with them for about half an hour getting a really up close look."

Dolphin Eco Experience

December 2016
WildgeeseNZ, Tripadvisor

"After only 20 minutes we arrived at the first pod of about 20 bottlenose dolphins. Wow, what a sight. The absolute highlight were the orcas. Dolphins were curious about us and swam with our boat."

Just Great

March 2017
Brigitte H, Tripadvisor

"We got out and swam for a good 45 minutes, and were absolutely overcome at how beautiful and unique the experience was. Thanks so much to Martin and Naz for such an amazing time! All the other tours seemed so jealous of us in the water with two playful and happy dolphins."

Dolphin Eco Tour

December 2016
zoef92, Tripadvisor

Experience more with a great value combo

  • Day 1

    Dolphin Eco Experience

    Get up close and personal with wild dolphins in the Bay of Islands on our intimate Dolphin Eco Experience.

  • Day 2

    Cape Reinga

    Journey to the top of New Zealand and see the point where two oceans dramatically collide below. Speed down massive sand dunes at Te Paki Stream and enjoy a thrilling ride along Ninety Mile Beach.

    • See all combos
Surf & Swim

Combo Deal

Surf & Swim

For the adventurous at heart, our Surf & Swim combo will keep you entertained. Jump into New Zealand’s warmest waters and swim with playful dolphins on our Dolphin Eco experience. Surf the giant sand dunes, visit a kauri kingdom and learn all about Northland’s history and rich Māori culture on the way to Cape Reinga. (Swimming with dolphins additional $30 per person.)

Dolphin Eco Experience + Cape Reinga + Russell Passenger Ferry (Dolphin Eco Experience is available from 20 October 2018.)

Adult

$290.00

$226.00

Child

$145.00

$113.00

Save

$64.00

Book now

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