Auckland Eco-Marine Safari: Dolphins & Whales Up-Close Cruise
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Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf just a short boat ride from Auckland city's Viaduct Harbour. Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home. As an active marine-mammal research vessel every passenger contributes to important conservation efforts, just by coming on board. A dollar from every ticket purchased goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and ensure its future.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
Nuha F, 10/19/2025 1:41:45 PM
Was a lovely day unfortunately did not see as many whales and dolphins as I would have liked. Completely understand this is out of the hands of the tour operators. Thanks for trying to get us the best view of the ones we did manage to see. I hope I can come back in the future and use the voucher and see some more.
szlandon, 10/10/2025 12:57:44 PM
The crew was very knowledgeable and helpful. Unfortunately, only the dolphins showed up, no whales or blue penguins.
Marci_C, 10/7/2025 11:55:26 PM
We had an all girl crew of master level marine biologist. They were all amazing, informative and accomodating! Saw several pods of dolphins and 1 brief whale encounter
James_C, 10/7/2025 10:33:25 PM
Friendly and knowledgeable crew, marine biologists who clearly care about the marine life and want to share their knowledge.
Sarah_W, 10/5/2025 6:44:08 PM
Excellent lots of whales, dolphins and birds. A ver enjoyable experience. Safe and fun. Loved every minute.
Vicky_M, 10/5/2025 4:38:05 PM
This was an amazing experience. I was a little bummed my gannet trip to the west coast didn’t work out so this was our back up. We saw so many Gannets and shearwaters you couldn’t count them all. We saw several whales surface and hundreds of common Dolphins. The crew was amazing even though the wind was high and the bay a little rough Kira kept the ship steady most the time. Joseph though he had his first mate duties helped my off balanced husband get down the stairs. I couldn’t recommend this trip more highly. It was perfect!
darac855, 9/30/2025 10:01:01 PM
Really amazing boat trip into deep waters. We saw whales and dolphins and the guarantee of a free repeat ticket if there were no sightings was comforting. But we needn’t have worried as we saw super rare two whales in the same area and a large pods if dolphins playing round the boat. It was incredible we highly recommend!!
MsTuernta_P, 9/30/2025 3:28:17 PM
Wonderful experience with nature and staff is very energetic to service and support.I recommend this activity for family.
Sam_M, 9/29/2025 11:56:35 PM
We got so lucky! Beautiful weather and saw so much ocean life! whales, dolphins, birds even a few penguins!!
Gregory_h, 9/29/2025 5:43:24 PM
Crew worked hard to put us on dolphins , whales and many seabirds. Awesome experience if you love nature.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Advisable to dress in warm layers and weatherproof gear as weather can be unpredictable
- Advisable to bring sun hat (with chin strap to secure it), sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars and flat-soled shoes
- IMPORTANT: Check in closes 15 minutes prior to stated departure time. Those passengers who are late risk losing their allocated seats.
- If mobility impaired and a wheelchair is required, please contact operator directly to discuss requirements
Departure point
Our boat is at Berth 9, Eastern Viaduct Marina, accessed from the end of Quay Street heading West. This is opposite the Maritime Museum. On arrival look for our crew at the top of our boarding ramp to check in 30 minutes before departure (check-in closes 15 minutes prior to trip time).Return details
Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of Hauraki Gulf just a short boat ride from Auckland city's Viaduct Harbour. Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home. As an active marine-mammal research vessel every passenger contributes to important conservation efforts, just by coming on board. A dollar from every ticket purchased goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund which supports organisations and programs that aim to regenerate the Hauraki Gulf and ensure its future.Redemption
Weather: The nature of this experience means we do sometimes have to cancel due to weather or sea conditions. Please check here https://status.whalewatchingauckland.com/ for trip status updates the night before traveling as this tour is weather dependent. In the event of a cancellation, we also endeavor to inform all customers as quickly as possible via email or phone where contact details are available to us. Please check your email on the morning of departure for any notice of cancellation.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund