However, Black Cat Cruises Chair Paul Bingham says while the changes are a step in the right direction, the “death zone” near Akaroa requires much needed protection for Hector’s dolphins. Black Cat Cruises are a supreme tourism award winning company with an excellent safety track record and a portion of every ticket sold goes towards the conservation of the Hector's dolphin. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Black Cat Cruises on Tripadvisor. Beautiful nature and animals. We only allow 12 swimmers in the water at one time allowing greater opportunity for … The Award Winning Black Cat Group is internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand tourism industry and an eco-tourism pioneer. Photo: Black Cat Cruises. The folks at Black Cat are great and make the experience a lot of fun. This activity only carries 12 swimmers per boat and has been voted the number 1 bucketlist activity in New Zealand and available all year round. The only place on the planet, where you can get close to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's Dolphin. Black cat cruise Swimming with Dolphins is an vary enjoyable experience worth the effort to get here. New Zealand's native and Seen the dolphins lately? Even one penguin. *Please include a contact phone number when emailing. Cruising the Akaroa harbour with Black Cat Cruises gives the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate dolphin experience by swimming with the Hector’s Dolphin, this cruise gives you the chance to see these beautiful marine mammals close up in their natural habitat. Black Cat Cruises also offer Swimming With Dolphins in Akaroa. dolphins in their natural habitat. Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - In the event of “partial swim” (dolphins are viewed from the boat but swimmers do not get into the water; or swimmers do not get full interaction while in the water as determined by Black Cat skipper & crew) Black Cat will refund 25% of fare. We had a great time with Black Cat. Black Cat Cruises is approved by the Department of Conservation. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers. Black Cat Cruises Introduction. Swimming with Dolphins (Black Cat Cruises) is the ultimate dolphin experience, swimming in the wild with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin- the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin. Black Cat Cruises are listed in the 2014 guide as one of the Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in the world for our akaroa dolphin swim experience! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and we hope to see you again soon! Captain (Julian) very knowledgeable and passionate about the environment, it's wild, We were able to book on the same day for our cruise around the huge natural harbour at Akaroa. Ol mate the skipper had more Dad jokes than, Free Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, Hotels near (CHC) Christchurch Intl Airport, Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds: Tickets & Tours, Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa: Tickets & Tours, Swim in the natural habitat of wild dolphins, Covered vessel with heated cabin and hot drinks, Limit of 12 passengers permitted per departure, Includes a full, live commentary from skipper, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, Not suitable for infants or children under 8. Yesterday we were rung, Highlight of our family holiday to Canterbury Beautiful day and we saw alot of dolphins. Scube Diving in Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand - … endangered dolphins, the We got a cheap deal on bookme, it was definitely worth it! Cruises and swims depart every day, weather permitting. We were briefed about what to expect and it wasn’t long before we were on the boat seeking dolphins. What a joy it was to see a slice of pure NZ stretching out to the Pacific Ocean. C. The 12.45pm cruise was great. 2:15. The guide kept us entertained the whole trip with historical. For over a decade Black Cat has been recognised nationally and internationally with numerous tourism awards and are recognised as New Zealand’s first true eco-tourism operator, Qualmark endorsed and the only cruise operator in Akaroa to hold an Enviro-Gold award, Awarded by the Department of Conservation for our safe and sustainable practises not just with the environment but the willdlife we work around, Black Cat Cruises made it onto the Top 100 Bucket List for Experience OZ + NZ, Recognised by our industry peers for our conservation efforts we proudly received this award in 2004, We have received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence for the last 5 years running and so have made it into their ‘Hall of Fame’, We currently hold the title for number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand as voted for by thousands of Kiwi’s in the AA’s national survey, Black Cat Cruises is approved by the Department of Conservation. It is very important to us that all of our trips are fun, safe and sensitive to the nature that surrounds us. There was excellent commentary and knowledgeable staff. A wetsuit and mask are provided for your experience in the water, followed by a hot beverage and shower. We had a great time on our trip to swim with the dolphins even though we didn’t get the full experience and had some of our money refunded! You can either drive yourself or catch one of the shuttles, which operate daily between Christchurch city center and Akaroa. However, Black Cat Cruises Chair Paul Bingham says while the changes are a step in the right direction, the “death zone” near Akaroa requires much needed protection for Hector’s dolphins. We were thrilled just to be able to float off the coast in New. All the best. Dolphin Sightseeing Guarantee - In the event of “partial swim” (dolphins are viewed from the boat but swimmers do not get into the water; or swimmers do not get full interaction while in the water as determined by Black Cat skipper & crew) Black Cat will refund 25% of fare. Hot Deal; $92 50 Save $92.50; 50%Discount; 17Spaces; Between24 Oct - 1 Nov; playlist_add Add to List There is only one place on the planet where you can take part in the most unique adventure of a lifetime and swim with the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin – the Hector or New Zealand Dolphin – and that is the beautiful setting of Akaroa Harbour in New Zealand’s South Island. The historic French Village of Akaroa and its spectacular harbour is just a 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Two baby calves have been seen swimming alongside their mothers near Akaroa Heads. Contact the supplier for availability. Discover the natural beauty and fascinating wildlife on Akaroa Harbour with an amazing 2-hour cruise aboard the Black Cat, a spacious, modern catamaran specifically built for sight-seeing. H 967dilipd, thanks very much for taking the time to review us on TripAdvisor! Had a great time and would definitely recommend this excursion. The first calves of the Hector's dolphins breeding season have been spotted in Akaroa Harbour. Hector's and Māui dolphins Children between 8yrs and 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult swimmer. 6.7K likes. Post: P O Box 23, Akaroa. Located in stunning Akaroa, just 90 minutes from Christchurch, it is the only place in the world where you can get up close with New Zealand’s Hector's dolphin. Fax: +64 3 304 7643. Found.lots of dolphins and seals. It's wonderful to hear that you had such a great experience with us here in stunning Akaroa! We offer harbour cruises in Akaroa + dolphin swimming with the rare and friendly Hector dolphin only found in New Zealand. Akaroa - Dolphin Swim - Black Cat Cruises. We are very pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable experience. More than 120,000 people will experience a Black Cat Group cruise or dolphin swimming adventure this year in a … The first calves of the Hector's dolphins' breeding season have been spotted in Akaroa Harbour. We had three. The staff were very competent and determined to find dolphins for us. You’ll chance upon Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, in their natural habitat. Friendly staff and appreciated the discounted cost for travellers during this pe, Got canceled due to the weather twice but got out on the water today. Bith kids aged 13 and 6, Awesome trip, knowledgeable and cheeky driver. Swim in the vicinity of wild dolphins on this Akaroa Harbour cruise, limited to 12 passengers. An accessible option for families is a nature cruise with Black Cat Cruises. Hi GKimb, thanks so much for taking the time to review us on TripAdvisor. At all times all the staff were very helpful and nice. Excellent!!! Simply rare and unique. Experience what Lonely Planet listed as on of the ‘Top 10 Marine Mammal Experiences in The World’ thanks to today's offer from Black Cat Cruises! From humble beginnings carrying a few hundred people per year in small canoes and dinghies, Black Cat has grown to be one of the largest cruise companies in the South Island. Friendly from the start, helping us to find the correct wet suits and storing our possessions. Sounds like you had a fab time out in the water, we really hope you can join us again soon! Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, in New Zealand's South Island, the Black Cat Group cruises the scenic extinct volcanic harbour of Akaroa daily.. Join us on a two-hour nature cruise where we guarantee you will see dolphins or come again another day for FREE, you will also see fur seals, penguins and other marine birdlife. Telephone: +64 3 304 7641. Very professional yet friendly. Last did this trip more than a decade ago. Hi Bev185, thanks very much for reviewing us on TripAdvisor. Booked for Fathers Day gift and redeemed today. Akaroa Shore Excursion: Dolphin Experience in Akaroa Harbour is hosted by Black Cat Cruises. Would do it again if I lived a tad clo, We booked through bookme.com and got a slighter cheaper deal but we noticed they did have specials at the desk!! - See 1,422 traveler reviews, 631 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from Akaroa which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. Outstanding tour which was both comfortable and enjoyable. However, Black Cat Cruises Chair Paul Bingham says while the changes are a step in the right direction, the “death zone” near Akaroa requires much needed protection for Hector’s dolphins. Akaroa is ideally situated, only a 90 minute drive from Christchurch International Airport. This product is unavailable to book via Tripadvisor. We left the Quay and headed out, Hi Voyager560420, Thank you for choosing Black Cat Cruises to introduce you to Akaroa Harbour and the wonderful Hectors Dolphins. Generic Info: Please select a product above or your departure on the right; Our Akaroa Harbour Cruise and Swimming with Dolphins are separate products and operate on separate boats more, Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Akaroa provided by Black Cat Cruises. Hector's dolphins in Akaroa Harbour. by extending protection in all Life jackets are not provided or used, if one is required this product is not suitable, please join our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. We offer harbour cruises in Akaroa + dolphin swimming with the rare and friendly Hector dolphin only found in New Zealand. We were the first to offer cruises in Akaroa and we are recognised as New Zealand’s first Eco-tourism operator. Black Cat Cruises: Swimming With Dolphins! This happens on average 2% of the time across the whole year. We currently hold the title for number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand as voted for by thousands of Kiwi’s in the AA’s national survey. We've consulted with our impact partners and found this is the most effective way for you to make your voice heard. Enter your details below to send a postcard now. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Two baby calves have been seen swimming alongside their mothers near Akaroa Heads. We received a partial refund because we didn’t swim with the dolphins which was unexpected. Your nature cruise will be on the 'Black Cat', a large modern and stable vessel allowing great views of all the scenery and wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins. Please note to join this activity you need to be able to swim a minimum of 50 meters unaided and be confident in open sea conditions. We hope you can join us on another tour soon. If no dolphins are seen, Black Cat will refund 50% of fare. Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, You can only book to watch a swim when travelling with a swimmer, This experience requires good weather. Board one of the wildlife cruises or sailing trips from Akaroa so the whole family can experience the array of Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, seals, seabirds and more on the harbour’s sheltered and vibrant blue waters. A sighting of two endangered newborn dolphins has prompted renewed calls for fishing restrictions around Canterbury’s Banks Peninsula. Sounds like you had a great time despite not being able to get in the water with the dolphins. We drove here to Akaroa from Christchurch, which in itself was a really nice trip with stunning views. Dolphins, seals, A great day out - with a friendly and welcoming crew. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Email: akaroa@blackcat.co.nz. Amid the slew of water-based options Akaroa offers, you'll definitely want to hop aboard Black Cat Cruises for their two-hour long nature cruise, on-board their luxury catamaran. The boat was well appointed and co, This has definitely been one of my favorite things I've ever done. A special thank you for your kind words about our friendly and knowledgeable team. Discover and book Akaroa Shore Excursion: Dolphin Experience in Akaroa Harbour on Tripadvisor $ We weren’t able to swim with the dolphins but saw them close up and had fun trying. awesome day out swimming with the dolphins in Akaroa with Black Cat Cruises - Duration: 2:15. blackcatcruises 50,406 views. The Wharf - Akaroa, 75 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand. I hope you can join us again in Akaroa soon. Your physical postcard will read: I am calling on you to help Adult tickets were, We had a perfect afternoon cruise. On arrival we were sent of to get fitted into out wet suites and then out onto the boat. Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. The road to get here is (Akaroa) is around the hills is a very winding.