Akaroa Dolphins — Attraction in Banks Peninsula Community

We had THE BEST intimate nature experience with Akaroa Dolphins! 🐬 The three of us (my mum, her friend and I) can’t recommend them enough! 🥰

They took us on a morning cruise with a couple of their dolphin-spotting dogs (Albie and Buster, I believe) on a stunning day in Akaroa on the 4th of November 2022. We got to listen to plenty of local history (and humour) and see Hector’s dolphins, seals and white-flippered penguins! 🐧 The hospitality level was immaculate, as one would expect from their ratings and awards. The drinks served with the homemade biscuits/cookies were a lovely touch. 🍪

— Above and Beyond Friendly Service —

After a beautiful cruise, my phone slipped out of my my pocket and slid overboard. I alerted George and Marie so that someone/a group could look for it when they were finished work for the day. During the cruise, they had asked over the speaker to be told if people’s things fell off the boat so they could try to get the items back later to protect the ocean. 🦭

Wonderfully, George and one of his mates did grab their diving gear and find my phone that evening. Marie called the numbers on the booking list and found my mum. They had quickly found my phone in their search as it was lit up in the seabed by the boat at the dock. It was still working and they were happy to wait on the dock for us to collect it. We three raced to pick it up and thank them for all their efforts and the three of them were so chill about it (unlike us 🥹)!

I’m so grateful to them for going the extra mile over and over again. We couldn’t believe the incredible service we received. 🩵

PS: I’ve typed this from the same iPhone 12 that they rescued which is still in perfect condition despite its 7-8 hour adventure multiple meters below. (Its stated limit is like 2-6 meters underwater for a maximum of 30 minutes!) 🛥️ Thank you Akaroa...

Embarking on the Akaroa Dolphins cruise was an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand. The passionate, family-led team, including the friendly and approachable skipper who is also the owner, provided a warm and hospitable experience that made the adventure truly special .

The highlight of the cruise was undoubtedly encountering the playful Hector’s dolphins, unique to New Zealand and a local treasure in the waters around Akaroa . Witnessing these charming creatures in their natural habitat, often greeting us with their friendly presence, was an absolute delight.

Beyond the dolphins, the cruise offered stunning views of Akaroa’s rugged coastlines, including the majestic ‘Elephant Head’ and the enchanting Cathedral Cave, all from the comfort of the spacious and luxurious vessel . The thoughtful amenities onboard, like the complimentary local drinks and the delightful home baking, added a personal touch that made the experience even more enjoyable .

The deep-rooted connection of the family to Akaroa, dating back to the first European settlers, was evident in their dedication to providing a memorable and eco-conscious experience . Their commitment to the preservation of this pristine environment made the trip not just a pleasure but also an educational experience.

In summary, the Akaroa Dolphins cruise is a must-do in New Zealand. It’s not just a cruise; it’s an immersive experience into the heart of nature, culture, and history. A clear 10/10 for anyone looking for an exceptional...

Friendly and helpful staff, operated by a local family with a personal touch. Custom built modern and luxurious ship for touring, nicely laid out with good fittings and comfortable seats.  A nice touch is the dolphin shape in the metal supports that also create dolphin shaped shadows on the deck. During the tour the commentary is not only about the dolphins, seals and the local geology of the bay but also the local history of the settlers and the tour operator’s family history in the area which is very interesting and informative. Albie was our dolphin spotter dog for the trip.  There are 3 trained dogs, Albie (English springer spaniel), Duster (miniature Schnauzer) and Jet-Kelpie (backup) Please don’t feed the dogs, they have tags on their life jackets to remind guests of this. A complimentary drink of choice from either Beer (Stein larger) wine, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, water and juice. Complimentary sunblock factor 50 is also provided for your use. Information sheets on Hector dolphins are available. As you’re heading back to Akaroa one of the crew came around with homemade chocolate chip cookies. Only negative part of the experience was language difficulties when booking (neither of us had local accents), probably much easier to book online. Good value for money. Card payments can be taken over the phone at time of booking Credit and debit cards accepted No credit surcharge Pay Wave accepted...