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Tours & Experiences

Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd

📍 Tauranga, Bay of Plenty

4.6(115 Google reviews)👶4+

Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd departs from Tauranga Bridge Marina for dolphin watch and swim cruises in the Bay of Plenty. Multiple pods and orca have been sighted. Knowledgeable guides, on-board snacks. Minimum age 4.

Dolphin encountersOrca sightingsKnowledgeable guidesBay of PlentyFamily cruiseSwim with dolphins
★★★★★Featured review by Henrietta Kirk Kane

Had an amazing day out on the water with Dolphin Seafaris today. Saw so many dolphins from several different pods, including some mumma and baby pairs! Super playful and swam with us for quite a time, leaping out of the water and spinning at the bow of the boat. Also saw hammerhead sharks which we got really close to! The all female crew were so lovely too, really knowledgeable, helpful and professional. The boat was really clean and well organised and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who loves nature, aquatic life and a chance to go out on the ocean! 🐬🌊🥰

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Families describe the experience as genuinely special quality time. Multiple dolphin pods in a single outing are common, and orca sightings add an element of surprise that reviewers consistently highlight. The guides are praised for creating a chill and memorable atmosphere for children and adults alike.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Departs from Berth D1, Tauranga Bridge Marina — allow time to find the berth before departure
Swim-with-dolphins options are weather and wildlife dependent
🎟️Hot drinks, fruit, and snack bars provided on board
🚗Minimum age 4 years

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.6

115 Google reviews

Wildlife encounters (dolphins + orca)45%
Guide quality35%
On-board experience20%
H

Henrietta Kirk Kane

a month ago

Had an amazing day out on the water with Dolphin Seafaris today. Saw so many dolphins from several different pods, including some mumma and baby pairs! Super playful and swam with us for quite a time, leaping out of the water and spinning at the bow of the boat. Also saw hammerhead sharks which we got really close to! The all female crew were so lovely too, really knowledgeable, helpful and professional. The boat was really clean and well organised and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who loves nature, aquatic life and a chance to go out on the ocean! 🐬🌊🥰

S

steve nelson

a month ago

Really special day out with these ladies. Super chill vibe, fruit, hot drinks and breakfast bars on offer. The weather was lovely and we were surrounded by LOTS of dolphins for a large part of the day, even as we steamed back towards the port. We did get to swim with the dolphins but it was glimpses rather than a personal interaction - but they are wild creatures and it's their choice. The crew were anxious to help us have a great day but also super-respectful of the dolphins and their needs. I can't recommend this trip highly enough. Thank you ladies!

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Amanda Weirmier

11 months ago

We had an amazing time on our dolphin cruise and swim! Heidi and Lizzie were absolutely awesome as our guides and boat skipper. They were super knowledgeable, friendly, and went out of their way to make sure everyone had the best experience. We were lucky enough to see over 100 dolphins and even got to swim with them — truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment! The boat ride itself was smooth and enjoyable, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. This experience exceeded all expectations, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area!

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Brianne King

a month ago

Absolutely loved my experience with Dolphin Seafaris!! Sadly we didn't get to swim BUT we saw a pack of 4-5 orcas including a baby orca and then saw a massive pack of dolphins that had a bunch of babies too! The baby orca and baby dolphins were so cute!! The dolphins hung out with us, swimming directly under and around us for a long time! Heidi and her crew were informative, kind and just as excited about what we saw as we were! If I'm ever back in the area I will definitely do another trip with them

Reviews from Google

Overview

Dolphin Seafaris NZ Ltd departs from Berth D1 at Tauranga Bridge Marina for dolphin watch and swim cruises across the Bay of Plenty. Multiple pods are frequently spotted in a single outing; orca have been sighted on a number of trips. Swim-with-dolphins sessions are available on suitable days. On-board guides are praised for their expertise and the relaxed atmosphere they create. Hot drinks, fruit, and snack bars are provided. Minimum age 4 years.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday15:30 – 18:00
Tuesday15:30 – 18:00
Wednesday15:30 – 18:00
Thursday10:00 – 18:00
Friday10:00 – 18:00
Saturday08:00 – 18:00

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