A woman swimming with a dolphin
A boat cruising past dolphins jumping out of the water
Three dolphins swimming in the ocean
A woman swimming with a dolphin
A boat cruising past dolphins jumping out of the water
Three dolphins swimming in the ocean

Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat

Enjoy the scenic drive south-east of Christchurch to the historic French village of Akaroa. Home to the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world - Hector’s dolphin. Only found in New Zealand waters, you will have the unique opportunity to swim with these curious dolphins in their natural habitat.

Leaving from the main wharf, you will cruise out to Akaroa Harbour in a sheltered swimming vessel. The harbour is surrounded by volcanic cliffs, which means it's very sheltered and perfect for swimming with dolphins.

Jump off the boat and join the playful dolphins who love to show off their acrobatic skills, jumping as high as possible out of the water. A portion of all ticket sales is donated to the education and research of the endangered dolphin.

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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.