Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
Q&As
Latest Questions about Dolphin Encounter (Kaikoura)
If I go swimming with the Dolphins can my husband come on the boat but not swim with the Dolphin
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Does the Dolphin Encounter boat have wheelchair access?
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Due to having limited space on the boat, there is no Wheelchair access
If you have never done snorkelling before, but am comfortable in the water. Do you think I would still be able to go swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Encounter?
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If you're a confident swimmer you can certainly come on out for the Dolphin Swim experience
I was wondering what wetsuit shampoo you use on your wetsuits for Dolphin Encounter.
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I can confirm that the wetsuit shampoo used at Dolphin Encounter is Eclipse by Eco Chem
Is 5:30 am or 8:30 am best for the Dolphin Encounter cruise
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The Dolphin Encounter has a high chance of seeing Dolphins during any of their scheduled tour times.
The sun would be rising during the 5:30 am tour therefore giving it an amazing view
When are the Dolphin Super-pods in Kaikoura/best time to book the Dolphin Encounter
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Summer (November - March) is the best time to do dolphin swimming in Kaikoura. The dusky dolphins visit Kaikoura in large 'super-pods', so Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura have a 90% success rate of swimming with dolphins at this time of year.
Is the dolphin encounter available in winter
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Dolphin Encounter is available year-round! You are provided with wetsuits to keep you warm
What is the temperature of the water in Kaikoura for the Dolphin Encounter
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The average sea temperature in Kaikoura in December is about 14.9 degrees Celsius.
do you provide life jacket for swimming with dolphin and snorkelling at Dolphin Encounter
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The operator does not provide any life jackets due to the fact the wetsuit they provide is very buoyant. This will keep you afloat, also a life jacket keeps your head above the water and all of the dolphin action is beneath the service. So this would impair your ability to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
What age can you swim with dolphins.
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The minimum age for swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura is 8. Children under 8 and over 3 are welcome on board the boat (dolphin watch) but must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian.
If I can't swim very well, would I be able to wear a lifejacket so I could participate in the Dolphin encounter?
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You don't have to be a great swimmer to go swimming with the dolphins in Kaikoura however you do have to be confident enough to be in the open water without hanging on to anything. There is additional buoyancy aids such as float boards and noodles which you can use in the water. As long as you feel comfortable enough swimming a short distance away from the boat then you will be fine.
What to wear underneath a wetsuit for warmth and comfort. and does the Dolphin Encounter boat have any cubicle to change in privacy?
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For the Dolphin Encounter, you will be provided with a two-piece 5mm wetsuit, mask and snorkel, flippers and a hood. Under your wetsuit you just need to wear your swimwear and nothing else.
It is easier if you wear your swimwear underneath your clothes on the day of your dolphin swim and you will be given time to put your wetsuit on.
How do I get this encounter from Christchurch
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Hi Barb. It's about a 2 hour drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura or there is a train that goes there and back. If you are thinking of booking the train please check the Kaikoura dolphin encounter availability with us first to make sure there is space for you on the date you wish to travel.
Hi Madushika. Luckily in Kaikoura there is a resident pod of Dusky dolphins that can be found just off the coast all year round so no matter what time of year you are visiting Kaikoura you will be able to see and also swim with dolphins.
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Yes, if one person does not want to swim they can choose the watch (cruise only) option -
Comment by: Everything Travel Group (Kaitlin) on 16th Mar 24 at 14:50