Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
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May 2026
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Highlighted reviews
Best thing you can do in Nz
Tres belle experience et belle excursion
What you can expect
Did you know...? There is evidence that humans and dolphins have been interacting with each other for as long as we have been recording history. This is not surprising, considering that dolphins are one of the most intelligent and social mammals on earth. Now you have a chance to swim with these majestic, unique individuals yourself!
Found off the coasts of Kaikoura all year round, the Dusky dolphin typically exists in large pods consisting of hundreds of members. Dusky dolphins have a playful, sociable characteristic, which makes them absolutely perfect for swimming with. Now you can watch or swim with the Dusky dolphins, under the guidance of the friendly team at Dolphin Encounter (Encounter Kaikoura). Imagine jumping into the dolphin's natural habitat and sharing a special moment with these gorgeous mammals. Certainly, an experience that will put a smile on your face for years to come.
Dolphin Encounter are unique in that they have the highest rate of success for both locating and swimming with dolphins in New Zealand. Dolphin Encounter has attained the Enviro Gold Qualmark rating, meaning that they have been endorsed as a Qualmark visitor activity. Don't forget, swimming with dolphins in the open ocean can be demanding; you will need to have a reasonable level of snorkelling experience, good water confidence and swimming ability to participate. Dolphin Encounter provide snorkelling equipment and wetsuits on the day, so all you need to bring are swimmers, towel, warm clothing, camera and daypack.
Location
What you need to know
- Dolphin tour & complete guided commentary
- Swimming with the dolphins or watch from the safety & comfort of the boat
- Snorkelling equipment & wetsuits
- Allow 4 hours
- 5:30am, 8.30am & 12.30pm (November - May)
- 10.00am (June - September)
- 8:30am only (October)
- Departs from the Encounter Kaikoura office (15 minute walk from town centre)
- Operates daily all year (excluding 25th December)
- What wetsuit shampoo you use on your wetsuits for Dolphin Encounter? I can confirm that the wetsuit shampoo used at Dolphin Encounter is Eclipse by Eco Chem
- 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? If you're a confident swimmer you can certainly come on out for the Dolphin Swim experience
- What is the temperature of the water in Kaikoura for the Dolphin Encounter? 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 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.
- How long does the Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura take? The toal trip time for the Dolphin Swim Encounter in Kaikoura is about 3.5 hours, but most people spend around 20-40 minutes in the water with the dolphins. The maximum limit in the water with the dolphins is 45 minutes (set by the department of conservation).
- Do you need to know how to snorkel to do the Kaikoura dolphin swim? You will need to have a reasonable level of snorkelling experience, good water confidence and swimming ability to participate. This is due to the fact that swimming in the ocean can be demanding. They have experienced guides who will be able to help if needed as well! Alternatively, there is the option to "Watch" this is a spectating ticket where you will still be able to go out on the boat for close encounter without getting in the water.
- Are the chances good of seeing Dolphins in Kaikoura at the beginning of May? The pod of Dolphins are permanent to the area therefore the time of year shouldnt affect the likelihood of seeing the dolphins! Kaikoura Dolphin Tours run during the warmer NZ months, between November and May.
- Does the Kaikoura dolphin tour go in the rain? Or is it even worth it in the rain? The dolphin tours go ahead in most conditions, even rain, however if the sea conditions are rough then the tour may get cancelled or rescheduled. In which case you would get a full refund or be able to reschedule.
- You have the dolphin and the whale watch tours. Dont you see dolphins on the whale watch tour? Or dont you see wales on the dolphins tour? What is the difference? Great question — and yes, there can be some overlap. On the whale watch tour, the main focus is finding whales, but it’s very common to also see dolphins along the way. On the dolphin tour, the focus is specifically on dolphins and their behaviour. Whales are occasionally seen, but sightings are less predictable and not the primary goal of the tour. Also, on the whale tour, you are not given the opportunity to actually get in the water with the dolphins.
- Do you provide wetsuits on the Kaikoura dolphin swim or do we need to bring ours with us? Encounter Kaikoura 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.
- Go Pro waterproof video cameras are available for hire for an additional cost. If you have your own Go Pro there are a variety of accessories available for hire too.
- Minimum age for dolphin swim is 8 years (kids must be accompanied by an adult swimmer & the minimum age can be increased at captain's discretion if the conditions are not suitable)
- Dolphin Encounter's vessels are purpose built & fitted with boat shower hoses and toilets. The cabin is heated and blankets are available onboard each vessel. There are changing rooms and hot showers at the operating base
- Due to the seasonal nature of this operation, there is a heavy demand for these tours throughout the busy tourist season - November to April. It is recommended that bookings be made well in advance during this period
- Encounter Kaikoura boasts an on-site cafe with great coffee, beautiful food & breathtaking views. Cafe Encounter is open for breakfast, lunch & casual dining throughout the day. The cafe is fully licenced, so why not pop in & sample some local beers & wines, our homemade baking & other tasty treats before or after your tour
- All tours are subject to suitable weather conditions. Please note that the sea conditions can change very quickly along the Kaikoura coast at little notice If you are susceptible to motion sickness we recommend taking medication prior to your trip. It is recommended that you visit a pharmacy ahead of your tour. If this is not possible, Encounter Kaikoura have some options available at tour check in
- Minimum numbers required for tour to go ahead
Recent reviews
Best thing you can do in Nz
Tres belle experience et belle excursion
Awesome adventure! The crew were so attentive, great communication and an excellent operation from start to finish. My whanau loved the whole experience.
Need help?
- Email us at plan@everythingnewzealand.com
- Product ID: 25349
- This experience is supplied by Encounter Kaikoura