It's your choice at
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
Dolphins are some of nature’s most extraordinary and captivating creatures. They’re even more amazing close-up. Choose swimming or watching and immerse yourself in their world with Dolphin Encounter; an unforgettable experience in one of New Zealand’s most breath-taking destinations.
What you'll experience
Get a close encounter
Make some new friends
See More!
Dolphins, seals, albatross and more
The trip of a lifetime
That doesn't take all day
We Care!
Learn how to help the wildlife
Refund Guarantee
We have a very high success rate
SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS IS A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
Kaikōura is one of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in their natural environment. It's just you, the open ocean... and Kaikōura's wild Dusky Dolphins. One of the most interactive and acrobatic species of dolphin, they're thrilling to watch and magical to interact with. Here the encounter is all on their terms. With one of the highest success rates in the world, this bucket list experience is one you will never forget!
DOLPHIN-WATCHING FROM THE COMFORT OF THE BOAT
If you prefer to stay dry, watching the dolphins and the people swimming with them has an appeal all of it's own.
The curious Dusky Dolphins are often as interested in the boat and those swimming as we are in them! Our purpose built vessels allow ample space to take in the spectacle. It is not unusual to see large numbers of dolphins; their antics above and below the water create one of the best wildlife shows you can see anywhere!
Kaikōura’s Dusky Dolphins
Social. Acrobatic. Delightful. You'll remember these show stoppers forever!
They are one of the most acrobatic of the dolphin species; and Kaikōura is one of the best places on the planet to encounter them in their natural habitat; so be ready for the finest dolphin show on earth!
Meet the Kaikōura Dolphins
New Zealand's Original Dolphin Tours
We’ve been sharing unforgettable dolphin encounters with people from all over the world for over 30 years. Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura is New Zealand’s first company to offer swimming with dolphins. We are well versed in the best ways to encounter the dolphins in safe, humane and environmentally-friendly ways (not to mention exciting and fun ones!) We are proud to have introduced many thousands of visitors to the uniqueness of our local environment, with the abundant and diverse marine life that inhabits this very special part of New Zealand.
Caring for our natural environment
We are privileged to have an abundance of marine life here in Kaikōura and we don’t take this for granted. In 2009 we established the Encounter Foundation specifically to support organizations and groups that are actively working on projects that result in improving the health of the natural environment through conservation, education and research.
We donate a portion of each customer fare to the Encounter Foundation to support worthy projects which make an impact on ensuring our environment is preserved and treasured for future generations.
Thank you for enabling us to do this – your support of our business is making a difference in a very positive way.
Easy to find; just a 2.5 hour drive north from Christchurch
The Dolphin Encounter tours operate from the Encounter Kaikoura site which is located at 96 Esplanade in Kaikōura. The building is clearly visible and has a large customer car park available to safely leave your vehicles whilst participating on our tours.
There is also a café which makes it quick and easy to grab a bite to eat and a drink while waiting for the tour to depart and a gift shop to browse through too. The outdoor courtyard has plenty of seating available and is a pleasant place to spend some time taking in the beautiful views of the ocean and the Kaikoura mountain range beyond.
The Encounter Kaikoura site is a short, 5 minute walk from the town centre and is close to many of the waterfront accommodation providers on the Esplanade.
