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When I was searching for the best things to do on the South Island in New Zealand, I luckily came across this once-in-a-lifetime experience: Swimming with Hector's dolphins. These rare and playful creatures are the smallest dolphin species in the world, making this a must-do if you find yourself near Akaroa. Here's everything you need to know about swimming with the Akaroa Dolphins (A Black Cat Cruise Review). This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support! Black Cat Cruise: Swimming with Dolphins QUICK FACTS Location: Akaroa, NZ (~1.5 hours from Christchurch). Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours (including briefing and water time). Season: Tours run year-round, but summer months (November-March) offer the warmest weather and waters Suitability: Great for swimmers of all abilities; heavy-duty wetsuits provided (you basically float). Cost: $115 USD (per adult) Getting to Akaroa Akaroa is located about 90 minutes from Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. To get there, you can drive along State Highway 75, a scenic route offering stunning views of Banks Peninsula. It is a pretty twisty-turny drive so take some motion sickness medication before if you are prone to getting car sick. We arrived the night prior to our tour and stayed at the nearby Akaroa Waterfront Motel. It was then just a short 5-minute drive to the pier. About Hector’s Dolphins Hector’s dolphins are native to New Zealand and known for their unique rounded dorsal fins. With a population of fewer than 15,000, they are considered endangered, making encounters particularly special. Akaroa’s calm harbor waters provide a perfect environment to spot and interact with them ethically. They are one of the smallest dolphin species, reaching up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length and weighing around 40-60 kilograms (88-132 pounds). These dolphins are slow to reproduce, with females typically giving birth to a single calf every 2-4 years after a 10-12 month pregnancy. Calves are dependent on their mothers for up to two years, making population recovery slow and conservation efforts crucial. What to Expect on the Tour (Black Cat Cruises) I booked our swimming with dolphins tour on GetYourGuide with Black Cat Cruises. It was affordable, well-organized, and we only had 10 others on board! Plus, GetYourGuide offers free cancellation so if you are a type B traveler like me, this is perfect for last-minute changes. Keep reading for what to expect aboard your tour! We spent the night prior to the swim at the nearby Akaroa Waterfront Motels (would definitely recommend). From the hotel, we had a short 5-minute drive to the pier. We did arrive about 20 minutes early and had no problem finding close (free) parking. After we arrived, we easily checked in and were given wet suits, gloves, and goggles. Once all the guests were ready-to-go, we boarded the boat and took off. The tour guides explained the process and stated that after dolphins were spotted, they would make the decision if they seemed "playful". If so, we would then be able to jump in the water with them. Throughout the cruise, we saw 8+ dolphins and we were able to get in the water twice! When in the water, your wet suit allows you to float comfortably. You don't actually "swim", but instead you float and let the dolphins swim around you. We spent around 20ish minutes in the water between the two times and the rest of the time on the boat. Note: Even with the wetsuits, the water is COLD. You can expect temperatures to be anywhere between 11-17 degrees C. On the way back to the dock, the guides served hot cocoa and cookies. They also took pictures while we were swimming that were delivered via email (for free) after the cruise. The tour emphasizes minimal environmental impact, ensuring the welfare of the dolphins remains the top priority. Book your Swimming with dolphins tour here! Swimming with Hector's Dolphins FAQs 1. What should I bring? Bring a swimsuit, towel (we rented one for 5 NZD), sunscreen, camera, and a dry change of clothes. 2. Is it safe? Yes, I felt safe throughout the tour. The activity is closely supervised, and operators follow strict safety protocols to ensure both swimmer and dolphin well-being. There's of course risks with any water activity, so just be smart :) 3. What if I'm not a strong swimmer? I consider myself a very average swimmer, and this tour took very little swimming. The wet suits are so thick, that once in the water you are able to float. However, it is cold so be ready for a bit of a shock the first dip. 4. Can kids join? Kids 8 and older can join in the swim as long as an adult is in the water with them. Kids 5-8 can spectate (for free), as long as an adult is always on board with them. 5. Do the guides swim with you? Our guides stayed on the boat the entire time. They were on the swim platform in order to spot the dolphins and help swimmers in and out. 6. Can I touch the dolphins? No, touching the dolphins is not allowed to protect their natural behavior and well-being. 7. How many people are on each boat? Black Cat Cruises limits their swimming with dolphins tour to under 12 guests! This is great to keep it a "wild" experience and not overwhelm the dolphins. Book your Swimming With Dolphins Tour HERE! More Things to Do in Akaroa, New Zealand We only spent one night in Akaroa during our road trip, but it's such a charming seaside town that it would have been fun to stay one more night! Explore The Giant’s House - Visit this whimsical garden filled with mosaics and sculptures. Akaroa Lighthouse - A historic structure offering beautiful views and photo opportunities. It's a quick stop that we did the night we arrived. Pohatu Penguin Tour - Get up close with little penguins and learn about conservation efforts. This is one I wish we had time to do! Next time.... Akaroa Museum - Dive into the region’s Maori, French, and British history. Akaroa Harbour Cruise - If jumping in the cold water isn't your thing, you can still spot marine wildlife, including seals and dolphins aboard a harbour cruise. Ōnawe Peninsula Walk - A short, scenic hike rich in history. We did this short walk on our way to our next stop (Lake Tekapo) Sea Kayaking - Paddle through calm waters to explore the bay. Taste Local Cuisine - Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at harborside restaurants. We of course had to try fresh oysters while overlooking the water! Tini was also a favorite for delicious gin and lamb pizza! Soo...Is Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa Worth It?! Swimming with Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa is a bucket-list activity you won’t want to miss. Whether you're drawn by their rarity or the stunning harbor setting, this experience will leave you with unforgettable memories! I would definitely do so again! Just go into it with some patience and an open mind and enjoy the thrill of potentially hopping in the water with these magical creatures! Book your Swimming With Dolphins Tour HERE! (Free Cancellation!) Continue Your South Island New Zeland Road Trip Swimming with dolphins in Akaroa was our first stop along a magical South Island road trip. Here are some more of our stops plus the complete itinerary! 9 Days from Christchurch to Queenstown Hiking Roys Peak Scenic Flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound