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Black Cat Cruises
Tick your ultimate New Zealand bucket list activity off and swim in the wild with the endangered Hector’s dolphins with Black Cat Cruises or alternatively enjoy the stunning volcanic scenery around Akaroa harbour and its abundance of wildlife including dolphins, seals, penguins and more on an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.Multi-award winning Black Cat Cruises offer a dolphin guarantee on both its Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise & Swimming With Dolphins experience’
Black Cat Cruises were the first daily cruise operators in Akaroa and are recognised as one of New Zealand's eco-tourism pioneers. The company has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten marine mammal activities in the world, along with being voted the number one bucket list activity in NZ, and they are proud winners of New Zealand's Supreme Tourism award and the award for business excellence. A portion of all tickets sales goes back into the education and research of Hector’s dolphins.
Black Cat Cruises offers two cruise options from the Akaroa wharf.
Swimming with Dolphins: Get up close and personal with playful Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour with only 12 swimmers maximum on each trip. Hector’s dolphins are one of the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphins and are only found in New Zealand. Akaroa is the only place in the world you can come out and swim with them!
The experience lasts around 3 hours including 2 hours out on the water. All equipment is provided such as wet suits, snorkels and masks, and even a delicious warm hot chocolate. The boats are fully equipped with toilets and back on land, there are hot showers and secure changing rooms. A portion of every ticket sale goes towards the research and education about Hector's dolphins.
Akaroa Nature Cruise: Enjoy the stunning majestic scenery of Akaroa Harbour on an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise aboard a 60-foot catamaran. Being the biggest most spacious boat on the harbour it is by far the most stable and comfortable to cruise along in. The tour lasts around 2 hours and takes in everything Akaroa has to offer from natural wonders, fascinating Maori and French history to amazing wildlife.
Your experienced local Skipper will explain the history of the area and the natural surroundings in full detail. Spot several species of sea birds and maybe even a White Flippered Penguin and look out for fur seals and Hector’s dolphins. The cruise explores various sea caves and may also take you to Scenery Nook, a pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre.
The catamaran includes two decks for easy viewing and covered seating. An inside bar is available during the cruise which also offers free tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Under-5’s travel for free and a portion of every ticket sale goes towards the research and education about Hector's dolphins.
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