All swimmers are fitted with a good quality wetsuit prior to departure which comprises a full 5mm body one piece overall and a 5mm jacket.  We also provide a hood, mask snorkel and fins.

Dolphin Encounter tours are approximately three and a half hours in duration from check in time to the return time at the operating base.

Quite close, usually about an arm’s length away. The dolphins are smart and they are extremely good at judging distance in the water and will come very close without touching you.

The pods of dolphins encountered on this tour vary in size, though calmer sea conditions in the morning mean dolphins are generally more interactive at this time.

Because tours operate in the open ocean, this of course means that you may see all kinds of wildlife. While sharks inhabit the open ocean waters, we are fortunate in Kaikoura that there have been no serious shark attacks.

In summer the water temperature can reach 18° celsius and in winter it can drop to as low as 8° celsius. In winter, additional gear is provided including gloves and booties to help keep you warm.

Children are classed as those aged 3 to 14 years (inclusive).

The minimum age limit for children wanting to swim on the tour is 8 years of age and all children aged 8 to 14 years must be accompanied by an adult both in the water and on board the boat at all times.

All children aged 3 to 14 years watching the dolphins from the safety of the boat, must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Children under the age of 3 years are not permitted on the tour.