1 / 3Bay Explorer - Dolphin and Wildlife Cruises
📍 Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Half-day dolphin and wildlife cruises from Tauranga led by marine biologist Emily Dee. Purpose-built vessel with 360-degree decks, covered seating, and a licensed bar. Encounters include dolphins, sharks, sunfish, and seasonal humpback whales.
We had the best time on the 5 day adventure. The team on board exceeded our expectations and the care and thought to ensure we were given the best experience was exceptional. There is no guarantee that you will get to see the wonder of the sea and the team did everything they could to ensure we had the best chances. We did see 2 sharks, gannets dive bombing and a pod of 7 dolphins initially and then we encountered a pod of 60+ on the way back and we then followed them for a good period of time which was amazing to see with the babies, teens and adult dolphins. We were given the best treatment. the boat was comfortable with room and refreshments. We booked online and there was no wait. Remember plenty of sun screen as the breeze can be a bit misleading on how warm the sun can be. Thank you so much and we would def book up again.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
The crew's effort to find and stay with wildlife is exceptional — Lauren's group encountered four dolphin pods, a manta ray, and a hammerhead shark in a single trip. The 100-dolphin pod sighting with babies surfacing alongside the boat is the kind of moment families talk about for years.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →306 Google reviews
Denise E
2 months ago
“We had the best time on the 5 day adventure. The team on board exceeded our expectations and the care and thought to ensure we were given the best experience was exceptional. There is no guarantee that you will get to see the wonder of the sea and the team did everything they could to ensure we had the best chances. We did see 2 sharks, gannets dive bombing and a pod of 7 dolphins initially and then we encountered a pod of 60+ on the way back and we then followed them for a good period of time which was amazing to see with the babies, teens and adult dolphins. We were given the best treatment. the boat was comfortable with room and refreshments. We booked online and there was no wait. Remember plenty of sun screen as the breeze can be a bit misleading on how warm the sun can be. Thank you so much and we would def book up again.”
Eunyoung Kong
a month ago
“The captain and all the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. The location was very convenient, and everything was checked thoroughly and handled professionally. They made sure we had plenty of time to see the dolphins, and we even spotted sharks! It was such an unforgettable experience. I don’t usually drink wine, but I was curious and decided to try it — and it was absolutely delicious. I even asked which wine it was so I could buy some later! Definitely don’t skip the wine. 🍷✨”
Nini Hewitt
4 months ago
“We had such a wonderful day out with the Bay Explorer. We were so lucky and came across a pod of about 100 dolphins who were swimming around our boat for over an hour! It was such an incredible experience. The crew were amazing, and were great at spotting the wildlife. Towards the end of the trip we spotted a humpback which was a complete surprise and utterly incredible! Would highly recommend this trip!”
Srikar V
3 months ago
“We had experienced their hospitality last week. The crew were very welcoming. We were able to see great number of Dolphins, worth spending that money. I had lil nausea during the trip, crew members supported in whatever I want. Each and everyone honestly are great and doing their Job with utmost love and support. Thank you Bays explorer for making it a memorable trip”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Bay Explorer operates half-day cruises from Tauranga Harbour with a marine biology focus. Past guests have seen pods of 100+ dolphins alongside the boat for over an hour, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, sunfish, gannets dive-bombing, and lone penguins. The purpose-built vessel has spacious 360-degree observation decks, covered seating, and a licensed bar with wine and refreshments. All bookings are online. Conservation principles apply to every outing.
