Dolphin & Wildlife Encounters
Overview
A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
Photos of a lifetime!
What's Included
- A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
- Encounters with penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
- Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
- Photos of a lifetime!
- Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
- Chilled regional wines and local beer from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages
Meeting Location
120 The Strand
Tauranga 3110, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands where we will showcase the amazing diversity of marine wildlife including dolphins swimming along side our vessel. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca...even turtles!
Our dolphin & wildlife cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for that once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families.
The Captain and experienced crew lust to share their marine knowledge with you and will provide fascinating commentary and point out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. A shared lifetime experience. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream. You will return to Tauranga by 3:00pm.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Dolphin & Wildlife Encounters?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-22322P6
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
- Encounters with penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
- Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew.
- Photos of a lifetime!.
- Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
- Chilled regional wines and local beer from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Dolphin & Wildlife Encounters is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Dolphin & Wildlife Encounters will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- A half day cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel with 360° outdoor views.
- Encounters with penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.
- Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
- Photos of a lifetime!
- Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.
- Chilled regional wines and local beer from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
