Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura

You are here Home  > South Island  > Canterbury  > Kaikoura >  Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura

One of Kaikoura’s big attractions is the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Dolphin Encounter run three-hour trips out to swim with the dusky dolphins. You also have the change to see hectors dolphins, fur seals, orca and pilot whales.

It costs $175 to swim with the dolphins or you can come along and watch for $95.

There are restrictions on the number of people allowed to swim with the dolphins and it is often necessary to book well in advance if you are visiting in the peak season (November–April).

Our address

Address:
96 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300
Telephone (03) 319 6777
Website www.dolphinencounter.co.nz
Swimming with dolphins $175 ($95 to watch)
    Dolphin tours depart Jan–Apr 5.30am, 8.30am, 12.30pm daily; May–Oct 8.30am, 12.30pm daily; Nov–Dec 5.30am, 8.30am, 12.30pm daily

    There are 11 comments from Foursquare

  • Monica, 13 Jan 2020


    The dusky dolphins travel in huge packs and are extremely playful albeit fast - makes for a morning to remember

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Noah, 13 Jan 2020


    Amazing experience to swim with and see HUNDREDS of very playful dolphins

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Ed, 30 May 2015


    Make sure to grab OZone coffee, so good.

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Ed, 30 May 2015


    If you only do one thing in New Zealand; do this.

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Siv-Hege, 28 Jan 2015


    Do the dolphin encounter! It is magical, and the staff is really friendly and helpful. Eat at the café before and after.

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Olivier, 04 Apr 2014


    An amazing for an amazing and unforgettable trip with dolphins! The MUST DO in Kaikoura !

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Thea, 20 Mar 2014


    Go dolphin swimming - it is amazing! Especially in good weather :)

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Thea, 20 Mar 2014


    Go dolphin swimming - it is amazing!

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Peter, 18 Mar 2014


    Amazing experience. It cost $170 to swim with the dolphins but is totally worth it! We had 4 swims from our single boat trip, you are literally surrounded by hundreds of dusky dolphins!

      Liked 0 times.  

  • Kat, 04 Jan 2014


    Going early in the morning is awesome. The dolphins seem to be most playful on the early trips

      Liked 1 times.  

  • darkfienix, 09 Sep 2011


    Lunch at Cafe Encounter was excellent and reasonably priced. Recommended after swimming in the sea.Also there are hot showers available for swimmers.

      Liked 1 times.