Dolphin Swimming in New Zealand

Nothing can quite match the feeling and bond you will enjoy when taking this unique opportunity to swim with dolphins. The activity is available commercially in Kaikoura and the Bay of Islands but these friendly characters are no strangers to the kiwi coasts and can be spotted at numerous locations. Operators place a strong focus on the environmental impact of this activity and take care to ensure swimmers don't interfere or negatively affect the dolphins natural environment. In the bay of islands you will come across the lager bottle nose dolphins whilst in Kaikoura you are more likely to spot the playful dusk dolphins who can frequently be seen in pods reaching the hundreds.

It is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and you will often find the dolphins will come back to you repeatedly to check you out. If your not keen on dipping in the water then theres great entertainment to be had from the boat watching their acrobatic flips and jumps - better than this is usually listening to swimmers attempts to communicate with the dolphins using their own series of clicks and shrieks amplified up the snorkel!

Wetsuits and snorkel gear is provided on these trips so all you need is a towel, sunblock and an underwater camera if you have one!

DOLPHIN SWIMMING IN THE SOUTH ISLAND

We highly recommend reserving your place on this option in advance as its extremely popular and highly regarded as the best way to interact with dolphins in the wild.

Costs from $180

DOLPHIN SWIMMING IN THE NORTH ISLAND

You can book your dolphin swimming in the Bay of Islands once on your trip. The amount of interaction with these amazing creatures isn't usually as extensive as the south island option but still great if you dont have a chance to do dolphin swimming in the south.

Trips Ultimate Explorer, Grand Traverse, Reverse Traverse, Summer Blast, Southern Light, Northern Wanderer, Beach It