Experience the abundant wildlife of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a 4.5-hour marine eco-safari. Sail aboard a luxury catamaran and benefit from guaranteed whale and dolphin viewing year-round as the perfect complement to your stay in Auckland.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 4.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Instant confirmation
Live tour guide: English
Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Explore Auckland’s spectacular Hauraki Gulf Marine Park
Experience up-close-and-personal wildlife viewing with marine mammal sightings
Make the most of your time in Auckland with an incredibly convenient trip
Take in amazing views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf
Listen to expert commentary and interact with the marine research scientists
Relax aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran with on-board cafe/bar

Full description

Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran, conveniently docked in the heart of Auckland, and set sail on the "Dolphin Explorer" to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water. Depart via Auckland's Viaduct Harbour, and bask in the sun on the large open deck. Enjoy a quick tour past impressive landmarks, such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, North Head/Devonport and Rangitoto Island. Keep a close look out for Orca and Bottlenose Dolphins, known to regularly visit the waters close to the city. Then it's out into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park itself, where resident populations of Bryde's Whales, Common Dolphins and numerous colorful seabirds await. Get up-close viewings of whales, dolphins and sea birds while important marine biology research is conducted on board. Help protect this incredible resource of marine life on a more personal and intimate experience. As a registered research vessel, the "Dolphin Explorer" is able to get much closer than whale watching operations in other locations. Get the opportunity to learn about what you are seeing via expert commentary from the ship's skipper, gained from 15 years running trips daily in the area. Being wild animals in their natural environment, every trip is different. However, the boat typically heads back towards Auckland after 3 or more hours of sailing. Enter Auckland's Viaduct Harbour with a cheery wave and the best wishes from the crew.

Includes

4.5-hour eco-cruise

Food and drinks (available to purchase on board)

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned

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Meeting point

New Zealand Maritime Museum, 175 Quay Street, Viaduct Harbour.

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Important information

Know before you go

Please wear warm clothes and bring a showerproof jacket, sun hat and sunscreen, your camera, binoculars, personal medication (if required) and sea-sickness medication (should be taken prior to the trip)
This activity is not suitable for heavily pregnant women
Limited wheelchair access is available. Anyone with physical disabilities that require human intervention must be accompanied by a carer or guardian
Children under 5 years old are permitted on the trip only if they are closely supervised by a parent or guardian
A small range of snacks, hot food and drinks are available to purchase on board the boat, including beer and wine. A great range of merchandise is also available, including T-shirts, photo-cards and soft toys
In the interest of your safety, the local operator reserves the right to cancel any trip due to wind, weather, or sea conditions

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 107 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.7/5
Transportation
4.7/5
Value for money
4.2/5
Safety
4.6/5

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We booked the afternoon tour for the 27th Feb and turned out to be very lucky as we quickly saw lots of common dolphins. The crew were all excellent at sharing valuable and interesting information. All of which was presented in a good humorous style. They encouraged questions about their research and ocean and mammals. We then were incredibly lucky to see a Brydes whale for a good period of time. Highly recommend this tour, the time passed very quickly and we were very well looked after

March 5, 2020

Experienced informative crew. Saw plenty of dolphins in their natural element at close quarters. No whales as e were told really wrong time of year so no 5 star. Wear sun hats, sun cream and watch out for the wash from bows when they dig in. Listen and learn from the crew.

February 20, 2020

We got a great day and good luck !!! I started the tour in the morning and had great weather. We were very lucky and saw several dolphins, penguins and even a whale! The crew itself was amazed and said that it would rarely be that you find this variety! Overall, it was a wonderful experience for us which we can only recommend.

January 14, 2020

Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

Whale and Dolphin Watching Half-Day Eco Cruise

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