Dolphin Encounter

Come swimming or watching with Kaikoura's famous dusky dolphins.

I n amongst the varied and vibrant sea life found off Kaikoura is the spectacular dusky dolphin, one of the most delightfully exuberant characters of the Southern Ocean. Dolphin Encounter®, New Zealand's very first operator to begin tourist operations to specifically swim with and watch these acrobatic maestros of the sea, has been operating tours since the summer of 1989-90.

Dolphin Encounter® offer two options for visitors wanting to see the dusky dolphins:

We provide all the equipment required to snorkel with the dolphins including wetsuits. Kaikoura is located in the temperate zone when it comes to the water temperature at sea. Temperatures vary from around 19 degrees Celsius in our summer to as low as 10 degrees in our winter. Remember this is an open ocean experience and it is an advantage if you have some previous snorkeling experience.

It is also very important to realise that the dusky dolphins are totally wild, they are not trained or fed, this is not a theme park encounter, we are dealing with dolphins in their own world. Therefore nothing is predictable or guaranteed. You need to understand this in order to fully appreciate the experience of swimming with the dolphins in Kaikoura.

During the busy summer months of October to April it is essential that booking for the swimming activity are made well in advance in order to save disappointment. 

Going out to watch the dolphins (please note that watchers are on the same boat as the swimmers) can be equally rewarding as swimming with the dolphins. The views of the dolphins swimming around the boat and the swimmers in the water make for a memorable experience and offer great opportunities to take pictures by camera or video.

Our operation is located at the Encounter Kaikoura complex located at 96 Esplanade Kaikoura.

For further information on this tour that includes prices, times, conditions and booking facilities, go to our informative website: www.dolphin.co.nz

Contact Details:
Dolphin Encounter® 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura Phone: +64 3 319 6777 Fax: +64 3 319 6534	Email: info@dolphin.co.nz .