Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga
Overview
Watch wild dolphins swim and play right beneath your feet! That is the magical, close-up encounter we specialize in. We don't just look for marine life, we actively help protect it. Every cruise features a dedicated marine biologist crew who log wildlife sightings for scientific study, giving you a deeper, hands-on understanding of our local ecosystems.
Our spacious 18-metre vessel is built specifically for open-ocean comfort and exceptional stability, ensuring a relaxed journey for all ages. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from our open top deck, or relax out of the weather in our fully covered lower lounge. To keep your journey intimate, we purposely limit passenger numbers so you always have room to move, and you can enjoy a cold drink from our fully licensed onboard bar as you cruise the beautiful Bay of Plenty coastline.
Spaces fill up quickly. Book your authentic Kiwi marine adventure online today to secure your spots on the bow!
What's Included
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Large stable 18-metre vessel: Featuring a 360° open top deck and a fully covered lower lounge.
- Live marine commentary: Engaging insights delivered by our expert captain and marine biologist crew.
- Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
- Half-day marine wildlife cruise: Around the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline.
- Close-up encounters-penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
- Pick Up & Return Transfer (Optional)
- Lunch Box (Optional)
- Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages
Meeting Location
4 Wharf Street
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
Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise offers an authentic Kiwi experience amidst nature—a tale of human fascination with marine life. Join us in exploring the wonders of wild dolphins and more. We limit passenger numbers for comfort, ensuring a relaxed, personal touch ideal for families and couples alike.
Your half-day adventure begins aboard Bay Explorer at the Tauranga waterfront. Spend the cruise exploring the Bay of Plenty coastline & islands, showcasing our amazing diversity of marine wildlife. Enjoy a magical dolphin encounter as they swim right under your feet, and keep an eye out for a whale watch opportunity, penguins, seals, sunfish, sharks, orcas, and turtles!
Our knowledgeable captain and crew share insights through engaging live commentary, ensuring you won't miss a thing. Perfect for keen photographers, this is a must-do activity on your New Zealand holiday. Come aboard at 9:30 am and return by 3:00 pm, leaving you the afternoon to explore.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursions: Arriving via the Port of Tauranga in Mount Maunganui? We are a 10-minute taxi or bus hop away.
Rotorua Day Trips: Staying in Rotorua? Our central point makes a seamless coastal day trip.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Children MUST Be Accompanied By An Adult
- Minimum Drinking Age 18+ Years
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q: Do we get to swim with or touch the dolphins?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-22322P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.79 out of 5 stars based on 103 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Pick up from Ports of Tauranga and travel 40 mins to Okere Falls. Walk down through our native forest to the waterfall that is on...
$144
On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches,...
$950
Escape the city and experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty on this relaxing scenic hiking tour featuring native forest walks, tranquil lakes,...
$68
Tauranga History and Culture
Travel Ed is a Māori family operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ),...
$121
Pick up from Ports of Tauranga and travel 40 mins to Okere Falls. Walk down through our native forest to the waterfall that is on...
$144
On our customised Private Tour you'll enjoy a fun and informative tour with an experienced local guide showcasing the iconic Mt Maunganui, gorgeous sandy beaches,...
$950
Escape the city and experience the natural beauty of the Bay of Plenty on this relaxing scenic hiking tour featuring native forest walks, tranquil lakes,...
$68
Travel Ed is a Māori family operator, steeped in the ancestry of the Tauranga tribal area. With education backgrounds, both international and in Aotearoa (NZ),...
$121
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft...
$77
Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has...
$199
Discover the stories, flavours, and scenic beauty of Tauranga on this immersive four-hour journey combining coastal highlights, fascinating history, and local food experiences. RUNS SEPTEMBER...
$56
Paddle out to the middle of the wonderfully calm Lake McLaren in a 18 seater canoe if you are from a Cruise Ship, where serenity...
$103
Kaituna Cascades was the original company to explore and start rafting the Kaituna River, and is still locally owned and operated by two current raft...
$77
Enjoy a magical 6-6.5 hour tour to the Hobbiton Movie set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, which has...
$199
Discover the stories, flavours, and scenic beauty of Tauranga on this immersive four-hour journey combining coastal highlights, fascinating history, and local food experiences. RUNS SEPTEMBER...
$56
Paddle out to the middle of the wonderfully calm Lake McLaren in a 18 seater canoe if you are from a Cruise Ship, where serenity...
$103
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
As an active member of the Dolphin SMART program, we do not have physical contact with the dolphins on Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga. We watch them in their natural habitat from the boat.
Dec 2022If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- 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.
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Large stable 18-metre vessel: Featuring a 360° open top deck and a fully covered lower lounge.
- Live marine commentary: Engaging insights delivered by our expert captain and marine biologist crew.
- Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew.
- Half-day marine wildlife cruise: Around the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline.
- Close-up encounters-penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
- Pick Up & Return Transfer (Optional).
- Lunch Box (Optional).
- Cold beer and chilled regional wines 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 Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise - Tauranga is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- 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 Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise – Tauranga 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
- Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.
- Large stable 18-metre vessel: Featuring a 360° open top deck and a fully covered lower lounge.
- Live marine commentary: Engaging insights delivered by our expert captain and marine biologist crew.
- Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew
- Half-day marine wildlife cruise: Around the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline.
- Close-up encounters-penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.
- Pick Up & Return Transfer (Optional)
- Lunch Box (Optional)
- Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- 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
- Children MUST Be Accompanied By An Adult
- Minimum Drinking Age 18+ Years
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
