Black Cat Cruises
Akaroa, Christchurch
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Multi-award winning Black Cat Cruises offer a dolphin guarantee on both its Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise & Swimming With Dolphins experience’
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please arrive at the 61 Beach Road office at least 20 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. This allows enough time for check-in, safety briefings, and the short walk to the boarding area.
Each cruise is a little different, depending on the weather, sea conditions, and wildlife on the day. You’ll spend around two hours exploring Akaroa Harbour, with the chance to see endangered Hector’s dolphins, fur seal colonies, marine birds, and dramatic volcanic sea cliffs. Your skipper will also share stories about Akaroa’s unique history and environment throughout the journey.
It is recommended to bring layers of clothing, as the weather can change quickly on the water. A waterproof or windproof jacket is highly recommended. Don’t forget your camera for amazing photo opportunities, sunglasses, sunblock (especially in summer), and any personal medication you may need.
Yes! Black Cat Cruises offer complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water during your cruise. The vessel also features a fully licensed bar where you can purchase local beer, wine, and additional snacks while enjoying the view from our indoor or outdoor decks.
The Akaroa Nature Cruise is a 2-hour tour. This duration allows ample time to explore the stunning volcanic harbour, discover sea caves, and encounter the incredible wildlife and dolphins without feeling rushed.
Absolutely and children under 5 are free! Our Akaroa Nature Cruise is a fantastic experience for all ages from babies to seniors and is very family-friendly.
No, prams are not permitted on board for safety reasons. The vessel has multiple viewing levels and narrow passageways; keeping these clear is essential for safe movement and emergency access. The team highly recommend using a front pack for your cruise instead. If you do arrive with a pram, Black Cat Cruises can store this safely for you at our check-in area.
All swimmers must be confident swimming in open-sea conditions and able to swim a minimum of 50 metres unaided as we operate in waters 15-30 metres deep and are not permitted to operate with Swimmers in Life Jackets. A good level of fitness is required as you will be treading water.
No. To protect the health and natural behaviours of these endangered animals, touching or feeding them is strictly prohibited. As a wild species, it is vital that they remain independent of human contact and artificial food sources.
You will be swimming with the Hector’s dolphin, which is not only the world’s rarest but also the smallest oceanic dolphin. They are found exclusively in New Zealand, making this a truly unique encounter.
