Dolphin Swim Akaroa

There are many areas in the world where you can swim with dolphins, but not many let you get up close and personal with one of the world's smallest and rarest breeds – the gorgeous Hector’s Dolphin. With Black Cat Cruises, you can experience the sheer delight of swimming with these friendly, playful 'friends from the ocean'.

Akaroa Harbour – which is located only 80 minutes’ drive from Christchurch – is home to the incredible little Hector’s Dolphin. The Harbour itself was formed from the flooded remains of an extinct volcano crater and the amazing volcanic cliffs that shelter the harbour also offer shelter to the Dolphins. Your swim with the dolphins will usually be made from within this sheltered harbour where the dolphins are most prevalent, and small groups mean you have an excellent chance of meeting the dolphins ‘face to beak’. Your Black Cat Cruise will last for an enjoyable two hours, while the dolphin swim will last for around 45 minutes.

Once in the water – wearing your provided wetsuit, snorkel and mask – you will enjoy the experience of a lifetime. Hector’s Dolphins are such sociable little guys, that they have been named one of the world's friendliest dolphin species. You will marvel at their agility, as they impress you with their acrobatics and other fun antics. Their inquisitive nature and child-like playfulness means that you will have a swim full of non-stop dolphin action.

If you don't feel like going for a dip, you can relax and take pleasure in the interaction of dolphins and swimmers from the comfort of the boat, all while sipping on your complimentary hot chocolate.

The pods of Hector’s Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour are protected by a marine mammal sanctuary and are much loved by locals and visitors alike. Because of this, Black Cat Cruises operate under best environmental practices and have become the first cruise boat company on the globe to receive the internationally coveted Green Globe 21. They even donate part of your fee to ongoing research and education on Hector’s dolphins.

Black Cat are also very protective of the dolphins, so there are particular times that they do not interact with them; namely, when they are with calf, when they are mating, feeding or simply having a rest. This practice ensures that the interactions are on the dolphins’ terms and prevents undue stress. Consequently, if on the rare chance you don't get the chance to see the dolphins, or the dolphins aren't in the mood to interact with swimmers, Black Cat offer a Dolphin Swim Guarantee which is a pre-specified partial refund.