Dolphin Encounter
Dolphin Encounter
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view

About
One of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in the wild! We operate on the dolphins' terms. Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,538 reviews
Excellent
1,414
Very good
86
Average
21
Poor
10
Terrible
7
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Nicola E
Borrowash, UK9 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
This company is fantastic - the whole team from front of house, the cafe and customer services right through to the guys who kitted us up and the team on the boat. Everyone was hugely kind, friendly and professional and gave 110% to help us to have the most amazing, memorable experience of a lifetime.
We visited Kaikoura during a week of unseasonably bad weather and storms. As a result, our first trip was cancelled because it was too choppy to go out. The customer services team (led by Helene) were absolutely fantastic and despite the fact the swims were all fully booked they managed to get us on another trip the next day. Sadly that one had to be cancelled too - but the team again managed to get us on a third trip two days later. But the weather was still against us and it was cancelled again. This is unusual and nobody’s fault - just bad luck.
But Helene and team were so supportive and approachable and they managed to get us on another trip today - at 5.30am so we could do it on our last day on the South Island before we flew out of Christchurch.
And today the boat went out as planned , we were surrounded by a large pod of dolphins and we were all able to swim with them . The dolphins were very friendly - swimming around and underneath us and doing flips right next to us. We swam with them for more than half an hour and it was the absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand. A once in a lifetime experience for us and our two kids (aged 8 and 11). I was a bit worried about my 8 year old - she can swim but isn’t hugely confident in the water. The team on the boat really encouraged her and she was given a float to hold on to - she was so proud of herself for doing it and will be telling all her friends when we get home!
I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of this company and all its staff - one of the best teams I have ever dealt with in many years of travel. Don’t hesitate to book with them if you are thinking about either swimming with dolphins or spectating - it is absolutely fantastic and worth every penny!
We were really surprised to be offered a partial refund because visibility in the water wasn’t as good as usual due to the stormy weather, but this didn’t impact our swim and I honestly can’t imagine how this experience could have been better than it was ! I wish I could give it extra stars ! 🌟
Thank you all - and especially Helene for doing so much to make this happen for us.
We visited Kaikoura during a week of unseasonably bad weather and storms. As a result, our first trip was cancelled because it was too choppy to go out. The customer services team (led by Helene) were absolutely fantastic and despite the fact the swims were all fully booked they managed to get us on another trip the next day. Sadly that one had to be cancelled too - but the team again managed to get us on a third trip two days later. But the weather was still against us and it was cancelled again. This is unusual and nobody’s fault - just bad luck.
But Helene and team were so supportive and approachable and they managed to get us on another trip today - at 5.30am so we could do it on our last day on the South Island before we flew out of Christchurch.
And today the boat went out as planned , we were surrounded by a large pod of dolphins and we were all able to swim with them . The dolphins were very friendly - swimming around and underneath us and doing flips right next to us. We swam with them for more than half an hour and it was the absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand. A once in a lifetime experience for us and our two kids (aged 8 and 11). I was a bit worried about my 8 year old - she can swim but isn’t hugely confident in the water. The team on the boat really encouraged her and she was given a float to hold on to - she was so proud of herself for doing it and will be telling all her friends when we get home!
I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of this company and all its staff - one of the best teams I have ever dealt with in many years of travel. Don’t hesitate to book with them if you are thinking about either swimming with dolphins or spectating - it is absolutely fantastic and worth every penny!
We were really surprised to be offered a partial refund because visibility in the water wasn’t as good as usual due to the stormy weather, but this didn’t impact our swim and I honestly can’t imagine how this experience could have been better than it was ! I wish I could give it extra stars ! 🌟
Thank you all - and especially Helene for doing so much to make this happen for us.
Written January 15, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David K
Norwich, UK205 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
We travelled a long way north to enjoy this experience as it had great reviews, but it was well worth it.
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura is a very well run business from the efficient check in staff, to the team looking after their guests and the boat’s captain.
Our group of 14 swimmers and 3 watchers was very well cared for by Faye and Shae. Each of the swimmers are fitted with wet suits, snorkel, fins and a mask before leaving the centre by bus to the boats, after a safety briefing.
Whilst it was a clear and sunny day, we were warned by the check in staff about the possibility of sea sickness as the water out in the Pacific was going to be somewhat choppy, and we were provided with tablets for this.
We reached the point where the dolphins were expected to be and, sure enough they were there…in their hundreds! The swimmers (my wife being one) were carefully let off the stern of the boat to swim to the dolphins, and were monitored and watched continuously for their safety and well being. It was an amazing experience enough being on the boat as a watcher, but even better for the swimmers with the pods of dolphins swimming all around and interacting with them.
Unfortunately, most people did succumb to sickness, but this did not spoil the experience for most. Faye and Shae were wonderful at caring for their guest and making sure they were suffering as little as possible.
A must do in The South Island!
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura is a very well run business from the efficient check in staff, to the team looking after their guests and the boat’s captain.
Our group of 14 swimmers and 3 watchers was very well cared for by Faye and Shae. Each of the swimmers are fitted with wet suits, snorkel, fins and a mask before leaving the centre by bus to the boats, after a safety briefing.
Whilst it was a clear and sunny day, we were warned by the check in staff about the possibility of sea sickness as the water out in the Pacific was going to be somewhat choppy, and we were provided with tablets for this.
We reached the point where the dolphins were expected to be and, sure enough they were there…in their hundreds! The swimmers (my wife being one) were carefully let off the stern of the boat to swim to the dolphins, and were monitored and watched continuously for their safety and well being. It was an amazing experience enough being on the boat as a watcher, but even better for the swimmers with the pods of dolphins swimming all around and interacting with them.
Unfortunately, most people did succumb to sickness, but this did not spoil the experience for most. Faye and Shae were wonderful at caring for their guest and making sure they were suffering as little as possible.
A must do in The South Island!
Written November 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GenevieveMorris86
Dubai, United Arab Emirates236 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Fabulous experience. We’ve been fortunate enough to swim with whales in Nuie and whale watch in Canada and Alaska. If I’m entirely honest my expectations weren’t that high for the trip as I really didn’t think it was going to compare. However our 4 year old was with us and her dad felt it was a good opportunity so off we went.
I was completely blown away. The amount of time we spent with the dolphins and how close we got would be hard to beat. We were fortunate and had a beautiful calm day as well. The boat was great and certainly not overcrowded , it also had bathroom facilities. The checkin was smooth. We booked on the morning of the tour as the payment on the website was slow and not processing. Facilities at the office were great, lovely cafe and gift shop. Clean tidy toilets and showers for the swimmers. Staff checked we were happy with the sea swell level and warned of motion sickness.
Our skipper Mick did an exceptional job, we felt very safe. I can’t praise guide Harry highly enough. He was friendly knowledgeable and caring. Our little girl took a shine to him and he gave her all the time in the would. This was lovely to watch and we felt it was above and beyond.
All in all great value for money and my only regret is not opting to swim. If you’re hesitant about this with a family don’t be. You’re in safe hands.
Many thanks
Genevieve
I was completely blown away. The amount of time we spent with the dolphins and how close we got would be hard to beat. We were fortunate and had a beautiful calm day as well. The boat was great and certainly not overcrowded , it also had bathroom facilities. The checkin was smooth. We booked on the morning of the tour as the payment on the website was slow and not processing. Facilities at the office were great, lovely cafe and gift shop. Clean tidy toilets and showers for the swimmers. Staff checked we were happy with the sea swell level and warned of motion sickness.
Our skipper Mick did an exceptional job, we felt very safe. I can’t praise guide Harry highly enough. He was friendly knowledgeable and caring. Our little girl took a shine to him and he gave her all the time in the would. This was lovely to watch and we felt it was above and beyond.
All in all great value for money and my only regret is not opting to swim. If you’re hesitant about this with a family don’t be. You’re in safe hands.
Many thanks
Genevieve
Written May 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review Genevieve it was great to read! I will make sure Mick and Harry get to see your comments, we are very lucky to have them both! :-) Maybe we can welcome you back for a swim another time! :-)
Written June 17, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
susanv4girls
Ada, MI126 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Unfortunately high winds canceled our originally booked tour, but we were able to join the 5:30am tour the next day. Only one out of our family of six was able to swim, but the rest of us still enjoyed the experience. It’s spectacular seeing so many of the dusky dolphins swimming and jumping! They warned everyone that winds were still strong and to take something for seasickness (which they offered for sale), but no one in our family was affected. Although many on the boat were, it seemed everyone thought the experience was amazing and worth it.
Written December 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
350geoffm
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
This was our 2nd visit to Dolphin encounters and it was just as magical as the 1st (our last was 14 years ago). When we decided to take our young family on a tour around the South Island it was the 1st activity that we booked in and it didn’t disappoint.
The team at Dolphin Encounter were fantastic, very knowledgeable and so well organised that they made a large total group feel small & personal with the visitors spread over 3-4 boats.
Very highly recommend
The team at Dolphin Encounter were fantastic, very knowledgeable and so well organised that they made a large total group feel small & personal with the visitors spread over 3-4 boats.
Very highly recommend
Written January 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susanne B
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
As a "walk-in" customer, I booked the "swimming with dolphins" tour 1 1/2 hours before the start, one of the last free spots on the boat.
I was a little unsure whether I was overestimating myself, my heart was pounding a little. But the super-friendly crew supported me excellently in all matters! And the "swimming with dolphins" experience was fantastic!!! The neoprene suit with hood meant I didn't freeze. It was also very important to me that the crew gave me the OK to swim in the South Pacific with a quick look (the material was perfect). Getting on and off the ship worked without any problems thanks to the good support of the crew!
I saw so many dolphins swimming under me, looking at me and circling me - a unique experience!!!
The crew also looked after us guests very attentively on the return trip. The background knowledge about the wild dolphins and seabirds was very easy to understand and served up in suitable "bites".
The tour ended on time at the Encounters Mainhouse.
I was a little unsure whether I was overestimating myself, my heart was pounding a little. But the super-friendly crew supported me excellently in all matters! And the "swimming with dolphins" experience was fantastic!!! The neoprene suit with hood meant I didn't freeze. It was also very important to me that the crew gave me the OK to swim in the South Pacific with a quick look (the material was perfect). Getting on and off the ship worked without any problems thanks to the good support of the crew!
I saw so many dolphins swimming under me, looking at me and circling me - a unique experience!!!
The crew also looked after us guests very attentively on the return trip. The background knowledge about the wild dolphins and seabirds was very easy to understand and served up in suitable "bites".
The tour ended on time at the Encounters Mainhouse.

Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review Susanne and great advice - anyone can do it! We really appreciate your feedback and are so pleased you had a great tour! :-)
Written November 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R1932KVtomr
Minneapolis, MN27 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Amazing experience! This operation is very well run from start to finish. The Dolphins are in the wild so each of the five swims with the dolphins had a little bit different. Feel to it. A couple times they really stopped and played. A couple times I swam right by. Each time was extremely amazing to be that close to them. My wife is a stronger swimmer and did a lot of turning in circles and the dolphins would turn with her. I am less of the strong swimmer, so I used to kickboard in addition to the buoyant wetsuits, they provide everyone. I felt totally safe, and if you rub your thumb against the kickboard, it does attract dolphins. Shout out to Theresa who made sure everybody had a good time and kept safe. One tip… If you’re not that strongest swimmer, you don’t need to chase the dolphins as it can be an exhausting swim. I learned that after the first time in the water with them. There after , I would make it to one spot and maybe didn’t see as many dolphins as the others, but interacted with plenty. we had three pods converged together so we swim with 300 dolphins. Again highly recommend and thanks for a great experience.
Written January 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our absolute pleasure! Thanks for joining us aboard! :-)
Thanks so much for taking the time to post your detailed review we really apprecaite it. Great advice about the level of exertion required by this activity and the tips for less confident swimmers too!
Written April 8, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N Kuek
10 contributions
Apr 2023
A memorable wildlife experience. I was a spectator on the dolphin tour. I was the only one on the boat and everyone else swam, but the guides made sure I was looked after as well. The company and guides are safety conscious and teach everyone to be respectful of the dolphins. I went on the sunrise tour so I got to see these wonderfully acrobatic dolphins and a sunrise as well. The guides really made the tour that much more special and I walked away with a greater appreciation of the marine life in Kaikoura.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your review. Sounds like a magical morning! Our team love what they do and we are so thrilled you appreciated them :-)
Written September 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emilie Ra
Vienna, Austria10 contributions
Mar 2023
This was the best experience of my life!! Dolphins are my favorite animals and it had always been a dream of mine to experience them in their natural habitat, but actually being in the water with them completely blew my mind.
The team were so friendly and knowledgeable and made sure to prepare us well beforehand. That included letting us know that the dolphins were wild animals and not enticed to come to us or fed in any way, which was comforting. They also made us aware of their schedule and what steps the tour takes to make sure that the animals are respected and treated fairly.
We chose the sunrise tour and it was SO worth getting up early. The sky was amazing, the sun slowly turned the dark to light and it turns out we were super lucky, because we had hundreds (!) of dolphins swimming around us and playing with us in the water.
10/10 would recommend, we actually tried booking again for the following days as soon as we got off the boat but - no surprise - it was fully booked. So make sure you book in advance!
The team were so friendly and knowledgeable and made sure to prepare us well beforehand. That included letting us know that the dolphins were wild animals and not enticed to come to us or fed in any way, which was comforting. They also made us aware of their schedule and what steps the tour takes to make sure that the animals are respected and treated fairly.
We chose the sunrise tour and it was SO worth getting up early. The sky was amazing, the sun slowly turned the dark to light and it turns out we were super lucky, because we had hundreds (!) of dolphins swimming around us and playing with us in the water.
10/10 would recommend, we actually tried booking again for the following days as soon as we got off the boat but - no surprise - it was fully booked. So make sure you book in advance!
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So cool to read your review we love facilitating special and memorable experiences for our guests!
Great advice about booking ahead thanks - we do operate a very effective waiting list system in the summer months too.
The dawn tour is always worth it! Such a gorgeous time of day to be at sea and with hundreds of dolphins for you too 🍀 What magic! ✨
Written March 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie O
85 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
My husband and I had so much fun on this boat ride. The weather was perfect to showcase the natural beauty of Kaikoura. Every aspect of this activity was PERFECT from check in with friendly, welcoming staff to initially watching a movie about the area/trip, to well organized bus/van rides to the dock to meet the boat, to the actual boat ride itself. The boat was very well cared for and impeccably clean. The guides and captain were personable, very safety minded, and knowledgeable.
Of course, the stars of the show were the dolphins themselves. We saw many dusky dolphins in addition to a sweet pair of Hector’s dolphins. So playful, fast, energetic…pure joy to behold.
The lucky folks who suited up and snorkeled with the dolphins had a great time as well, and I must admit, the antics and sounds they made out in the water (to attract the dolphins) was quite entertaining as well.
I sat on the bow of the boat for an absolute “best seat in the house” and I enjoyed every minute of the show.
Of course, the stars of the show were the dolphins themselves. We saw many dusky dolphins in addition to a sweet pair of Hector’s dolphins. So playful, fast, energetic…pure joy to behold.
The lucky folks who suited up and snorkeled with the dolphins had a great time as well, and I must admit, the antics and sounds they made out in the water (to attract the dolphins) was quite entertaining as well.
I sat on the bow of the boat for an absolute “best seat in the house” and I enjoyed every minute of the show.
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ah Julie... loved reading your review! We are all about joy! Thank you! How lucky to see Hector's too so cute! So glad you enjoyed your experience and we hope we can welcome you back sometime! :-)
Written April 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, planning to do this activity this coming summer. We are all swimmers but don’t have much experience in open waters. Are there life jackets available for the less confident?
Written September 15, 2022
Are babies allowed? (6 month old in a front pack)
Written June 27, 2021
Hello,
We want to swim with dolphins the 22!of january but we want to know which time you prefer? At 5:30 or 8:30 in the morning?
Written November 27, 2019
Hi great you are planning to join us aboard!
We are fortunate to enjoy a success rate of over 90% on all our tours! There is not too much difference between the two departures, our crew favour the early morning tour at 5.30am as the sea is 'typically' calmer earlier in the day (please note this is a general and not an absolute rule)
We look forward to seeing you whichever time you choose!
Be sure to book well ahead as we often sell out well in advance in summer!
Written December 13, 2019
Hi . Planning to do the dolphin watch tour on the 8th nov. Is the 8:30 slot better than the 12:30 slot for watching dolphins ?thanks
Written October 29, 2019
Hi,
Sorry iv'e seen your message only now.
hope u had a great time
Written November 19, 2019
Hi Gil, Exactly as Bob said (thanks Bob!) if you know your schedule book as far ahead as you can to secure your preferred departure :-) You can make change (subject to availability) or cancellation up until 4pm the day prior to the tour without charge. We look forward to welcoming you aboard! :-)
Written October 11, 2019
How long is the trip take? I choose swim and watch with dolphin at 5.30 check in time
Written May 24, 2019
We suggest your allow around 3.5-4 hours for the tour - we look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Written May 25, 2019
We are traveling in May ..8 th of May 2019 .. will it be possible for us to do this trip ?
We are average swimmers .
Written April 18, 2019
It deepends on the weather on this day, but when it is ok you will be able to do this trip and i think you will enjoy it.
Written April 19, 2019
Hi , we are traveling to kaikuora on 25 april2019. Is it a good time to do this activity
Written March 28, 2019
Hello thanks for your interest and thanks to all the contributors above! Everything they said is accurate; we do operate year round weather permitting. At this stage we do still have availability on the 25th April, but this is of course subject to change. We hope to receive a booking and to welcome you aboard! :-)
Written March 29, 2019
We are off to Kaikoura in October. Is it worth doing both the Whale Watching tour & the Dolphin Encounter? We want to swim with the dolphins but can you can see whales too...or are each experiences unique & only do what they say they do?
Thanks
Written September 12, 2018
We saw some whales from the dolphin boat but I don’t know if that Halle a every time. The dolphin swim is worth it
Written September 16, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.