Dolphin Experience – Swim with Dolphins in Akaroa With Black Cat Cruises you will enjoy a once in a lifetime experience; it’s the ultimate dolphin experience by swimming with the Hector’s Dolphin. Hector’s dolphins are protected in Akaroa Harbour by a marine mammal sanctuary and our cruise gives you the chance to see these beautiful marine mammals close up in their natural habitat.

Departs: Times may vary according to the season. 6.30am, 8.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm. Duration: Two hours on the water (plus half an hour before and after)

Essential Information to Swim with the Dolphins

A basic level of fitness is required. You will be floating in the water and will be required to swim to and from the boat – distances up to 50 metres (150 feet) at a time.

Swimming with dolphins is not available for children under 8 years old. (See FAQ below). Children between 8 – 12 must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.

Customers should have some knowledge of English, so you can understand safety instructions and emergency procedures. If you do not speak English, you should be able to read and understand the foreign language safety instructions and be confident that you can communicate with crew using the pre-agreed hand signals in the event of an emergency.

Customers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol