If you’re visiting New Zealand and are a dolphin lover (and seriously—who isn’t?) you may have heard that you can swim with the world’s smallest dolphin species off the South Island! But before you start furiously searching Reddit for, “Where can you swim with dolphins in New Zealand? What’s the best time to see dolphins in Akaroa? Is swimming with dolphins in Akaroa worth it?” I’ve got you covered with my full Akaroa dolphin review!

And let me tell you: I’m a crazy dolphin girl and I did the research. I mean maniacal scouring of forums at 2am, excessive review-reading, and days ruminating on which operator I was going to choose.

So here it is! Exactly what to expect, how much it costs, the best time to go, why it’s special, and my full experience so you can make the absolute most of your swim with dolphins experience.

TLDR: DO NOT MISS THIS EXPERIENCE!! Do yourself a favor and book it right here with Black Cat Cruises! Be sure to book in advance, because they do fill up quickly.

Swimming with dolphins in Akaroa, New Zealand (South Island review 2025)

What makes Hector’s dolphins so special?

Hector’s dolphins are rare—endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. They’re also adorably tiny, averaging around 4 feet long and weighing just 100(ish) pounds. Despite their small size, they’re impossible to miss thanks to their striking black and white coloring.

But what really makes seeing them so special? You can only see them in the wild waters off New Zealand’s South Island. So Akaroa isn’t just your best bet—it’s the most dependable of the very few places where you can find them. Yes, you could see them in Kaikōura, but you’re more likely to see dusky dolphins there.

Swim with dolphins Akaroa New Zealand: Price

The big question: how much does it cost to swim with dolphins in Akaroa?

Prices vary by operator, but expect to pay around $180–$200 NZD per adult ($132 USD with Black Cat Cruises!). Tours last about 2–3 hours and include wetsuits, gear, and a harbor nature cruise. If not everyone in your group wants to swim, there’s usually a spectator option that’s a little cheaper so everyone can be a part of the fun!

Akaroa swimming with dolphins: What to expect during the experience

Akaroa’s swim-with-dolphins tours are tightly regulated by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation—and that’s what makes them so special. They’re ethical, conservation-focused, and super small-scale. Only two operators are even licensed to run them, and the one I chose, Black Cat Cruises, limits groups to just 12 people!

We started the morning getting suited up in thick 5mm wetsuits, boots, and masks, then had a quick conservation and safety briefing before heading out into the bay. As we cruised past jagged volcanic cliffs, the captain pointed out sunbathing New Zealand fur seals (some with pups!) and even a white-flippered penguin bobbing in the surf. Before we even saw a dolphin, I was fully geeking out.

Then—dorsal fins. Seven of them! The Hector’s dolphins found us. From the boat, it felt like they were just as curious about us as we were about them. But every time we slipped quietly into the water, they’d disappear.

This happened a few times over the next couple hours: spot dolphins, slip in, no luck. After our third try and nearly 4 hours on the water, it was time to call it.

So, did I swim with the dolphins? No.

But did I have a blast learning about them, the fur seals, the penguins, and the insane geology of Akaroa’s ancient volcanic caldera—and have an absolute blast on the water? Absolutely.

We wrapped the day with cookies and hot chocolate as we dried off and cruised back to shore. Not bad for a “miss.”

So what if I don’t get to see or swim with the dolphins on my cruise?

While it’s rare, it obviously does happen and did happen to me. We saw tons of dolphins, but none came over to interact once we got in the water. Disappointing? Of course. But they’re wild animals, and that’s part of the magic—they get to choose. Honestly, I still loved every second of seeing them, the nature cruise, and the other wildlife we got to see and learn about.

If you’re one of the unlucky few who don’t see any dolphins at all, Black Cat Cruises will actually give you a free voucher for a nature cruise so you can try again.

And at the end of the day, just being out there is a fantastic way to spend your time. Plus, a portion of your ticket supports the Department of Conservation fund and ongoing research into how we can protect and repopulate these endangered dolphins.

What’s the best time to see dolphins in Akaroa?

Hector’s dolphins live in Akaroa Harbour year-round, but the best time to see them is during New Zealand’s summer and early autumn (November–April) when the water is calm and conditions are best for swimming.

Should you swim with dolphins in Akaroa or Kaikōura?

Both spots are awesome for marine life, but here’s the deal:

• Akaroa is the place to swim with Hector’s dolphins. And if you’re doing a South Island campervan, with most circuits you’ll find Akaroa a bit more accessible than Kaikōura.
• Kaikōura offers dolphin swims too, but mostly with dusky dolphins in deeper, open water. These tours are also regulated and amazing—but they’re different vibes and obviously different species.

Is swimming with dolphins in Akaroa worth it?

If you’re an animal or nature lover, Akaroa needs to be on your New Zealand itinerary. You’ll learn a ton, and it’s a beautifully rare and sustainable experience (whether you get to swim with them or not), and it’s one of the most beautiful ways you can connect with wildlife on the South Island.

Pack your swimsuit, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to be humbled by nature.