At Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, visitors are afforded the opportunity to swim with or watch the dusky dolphins in their natural environment, off the coast of Kaikoura in New Zealand. Dolphin Encounter pioneered dolphin swimming in Kaikoura in 1989 and 19,90 and have developed the tours for visitors wishing to enhance understanding of dolphins in their natural environment. The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place where wild dolphins can be encountered every day, weather permitting.
Tour Informations:
As clients are on our 8:30am tour, it is very important that they reconfirm this with us before 4pm on the day before their tour. They can call us on either our free phone number, 0800 733 365, or on 03 319 6777. At this time we can update them of the forecasted tour conditions and advise of the reporting time.
At Encounter Kaikoura we have a fully licensed café open for breakfast and lunch or if you are running out of time before your tour we also have great value takeaway breakfast/lunch packs available.
Clients will need to report to our booking office at Encounter Kaikoura, 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura.
Those intending to swim will need a swimsuit, towel, warm clothing and a camera. A small gear bag would also be useful.
If they wish to change or cancel their reservation, they must advise us prior to 24 hours before their tour time. For those who do not advise us of their tour change or cancellation a full fare will apply.
SEASICKNESS: Because swimming and watching the dusky dolphins takes place in the open ocean, participants must realise that sea conditions vary and can change very quickly. If passengers suffer from motion sickness, it is advisable that they take something to prevent seasickness. They must also realise that the time spent out on the ocean is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Even with the help of medication, there is no guarantee against the effects of motion sickness. Seasickness is not grounds for seeking a refund for the tour.
SEA/WEATHER CONDITIONS: Naturally all tours are dependent on suitable weather and sea conditions and any decisions regarding the tour status is made at the tour time. Please advise clients that due to permit restrictions we may not be able to automatically forward you onto the next scheduled tour
DURATION OF TOUR: The duration of this tour is approximately three to three and a half hours (time on the ocean is approximately is 2 to 2.5 hours).However some flexibility is required with this tour time as it is dependent on the dolphin location which can vary each day.
LEVEL OF ABILITY REQUIRED FOR SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS:
The tour to swim with the dolphins is an open ocean experience. For maximum enjoyment, swimmers need to be confident and have a reasonable level of snorkelling experience.