Akaroa Dolphin Encounter: Breathtaking Harbour Nature Cruise

The Akaroa Dolphins tour was absolutely amazing and a can’t miss experience when in the Christchurch / Banks Penninsula area. The staff were beyond friendly and went above and beyond to make sure everyone on board had a great time. The star of the show, Albie, was the official “dolphin dog” aboard our cruise and alerted us to nearby pods of Hectors Dolphins in between pets and naps. We were lucky enough to see multiple pods of dolphins, penguins, fur seals and even an albatross! Couldn’t recommend this small local family owned business more highly.

A truly memorable experience on what turned out to be a beautiful afternoon with not a cloud in the sky. A lovely boat and a great crew. When dolphins were sighted the boat was manoeuvred to get the best views and the crew helped passengers to see them. You do need to be quick with your camera to get the best shots. Then a tour round the fringes of the bay and just beyond the bay to see the cliffs, the seals and other wildlife which were fascinating. The return was fun as it was quite choppy with waves coming over which everyone enjoyed-even at the back! If the waves are not your thing there is a very pleasant interior upstairs cabin. Tip: take a sun hat and plenty of sunscreen.

George, the Skipper, set the tone as we left the Harbour. He was funny, engaging, knowledgeable. We were lucky to see Hector’s dolphins, Blue Penguins, and learned the history and geology of the area. The crew was very attentive and helpful. Highly recommend!

We had a great experience with Akaroa Dolphins! Our weather was beautiful the day of our cruise and all the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable! We learned a little about the history of the area and the sea life as we cruised the bay looking for dolphins. The skipper maneuvered the boat when dolphins were spotted. We saw quite a few up close and several mamas and their calves right along side the boat. We also saw sea lions. Highly recommend!

It's a delightful experience. Extremely well organized and the hostess at the office was wonderful. Dave, the captain/guide, was perfect! The girls on the boat and did a great job with service and with helping to spot wildlife. We saw several dolphins and a number of fur seals as well as many ocean birds, so, from a wildlife perspective, it was excellent. The only reason for the lack of five stars was not within their control. It was a bit rainy and there was a significant breeze, which made it rough for part of the time. Not really a problem, but less than perfect. The boat was beautiful and comfortable and the Captain Dave did an outstanding job of handling her in the choppy water. Both my wife and I enjoyed it and would recommend it to our friends. However, it is such a beautiful setting, it is unfortunate to not have nicer weather.

Dave and team provided an awesome tour. They were professional and pleasant. All observation points were identified and the wildlife viewing was great.

We went on this cruise with our 5 year old son and my MIL. We have been to quite a few of these cruise trips and I must this was one of our most enjoyable trips. The weather was perfect, the hosts were friendly and knowledgeable and the Hector’s dolphins were truly the stars of the show! I would recommend the trip without any hesitation!

Just returned from a fantastic cruise. We saw dolphins and babies with many swimming right alongside the boat. We saw an entire group of seals with multiple babies that were adorable. We couldn’t have asked for more. Shout out to Skipper Dave and his crew, who all clearly enjoyed their job and provided great service. Dave gave an informative commentary along the way with a heads up regarding the waves and waters ahead. He also went above and beyond to ensure the guests had a memorable experience, allowing some of his guests to man the wheel, including the small children. He shared his background with re. teaching marine science, being a skipper, and living in both Cairns, Australia and New Zealand, which was particularly interesting for my daughter as she is about to pursue a degree in marine science. I love supporting a locally family owned and operated company that believes in Eco tourism and will do everything to protect this beautiful bay! I would recommend this company because they will make sure you have a memorable trip.

Locals - a must do visit for kiwis looking to get a family member a special treat. We take for granted the unique and world class beauty that is on our doorstep! Dave our captain is Uber friendly, professional and knowledgeable and Ester and Pia were so friendly. It was a magical trip full of dolphin, bird and seal sightings not to mention such unique and beautiful landscape. Looking firward to cooler but fun adventures in winter too! Maybe a discount for locals woukd be good! Thank you Dave and crew!!

Superb trip in every way, the captain Dave was excellent, great descriptions, sense of humour, felt safe though out the trip.the other staff, Erin and Pia were very pleasant, efficient and friendly. Saw dolphins, seals, cormorants, black backed seagulls, valuable information re the various harbours entered and Akaroa as well. That was one remarkable, enjoyable trip, I will do this again with the same company, I also appreciate it the fact that they don't chase dolphins but wait for then to come over to the boat, I've never seen Hector's dolphins before, I recommend this trip to anyone who wants a great experience. Not forgetting Albie the gorgeous support dog. Just do it, you won't regret it.