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Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise - Half Day

4.5
153
Deals from $122.00 Save $53.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at the Tauranga waterfront!

Your Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at the Tauranga waterfront!

Highlights

  • A half day cruise on our spacious boat with 360° outdoor views from the largest open-air wildlife watching sun deck
  • Explore Tauranga’s amazing marine wildlife – penguins, seals, dolphins, whales, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks and orca
  • Cold beer and chilled regional wine from our full licensed bar (Eftpos available)
  • Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife

We spend the morning exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty harbour and beyond, searching for marine wildlife which may include seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca, and dolphins swimming along with our vessel. Our awesome Captain and crew will be pointing out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing!

Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream.

Your experienced Captain and crew will provide a fascinating commentary on the history, geography and culture of the area. They have knowledge of marine wildlife and personally share with you everything they observe. Books and references are on board to enhance your experience.

You will be back in Tauranga with enough time to explore our beautiful region! Don’t miss this premier Bay of Plenty half day dolphin and wildlife adventure!

Adult $175.00
Child $65.00 (6 -12 years)
Infant $25.00 (5 years and under)
Family $480.00 (2x Adults + 2x Children )

Duration

  • Allow approximately 6 hours for the whole experience

Location

  • Departure: Corner of Wharf Street & The Strand, Tauranga 3110

Child Friendly

  • This experience welcomes families with children.

Notes

  • CHECK-IN AND DEPARTURE: You must check-in at 8:30am (allow time in traffic and for parking). Departure is from The Strand, Tauranga daily at 9:00am returning between 1.00pm and 2.00pm.

    Parking available down The Strand water front down Dive Crescent We operate seven days a week weather permitting. Should weather conditions prohibit open ocean cruising, then we will postpone to another date, or offer a refund.


  • Child price applicable for ages 6-12 years. Infant is 5 years and under.

    Guests must please bring their own lunch or snacks. There is a fully licensed bar so you can chill out and soak up the atmosphere over a chilled regional wine or a refreshing beer. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

    This is a wildlife cruise, dolphin sightings are not guaranteed and no refunds will be given if there are no dolphin sightings.



Available Bookings from 5 Apr to 18 Apr 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
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  • Adult$150.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$122.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$122.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$175.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$150.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$175.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$175.00
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

  • Adult$105.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$65.00
  • Infant$25.00
  • Family $384.00

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.5

153 reviews

Showing all 153 authenticated Bookme reviews

Teodora Adolphe from France wrote on 03 February 2025

Expérience à faire !

La croisière était super, l’équipage très gentil et serviable. Le capitaine de bord nous laisse voguer dans le bateau à notre convenance, et meme dans sa cabine, pour pouvoir bien observer les horizons et les dauphins. On peut les voir de très près en groupe, c’est vraiment un très beau spectacle. Je recommande à 100%

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Laureen SENETERRE from France wrote on 27 January 2023

Déçue

Très mauvaise expérience pour moi mais qui est que personnelle. Les guides étant adorables et ayant tout fait pour nous être serviable. Nous n'avons vu aucun dauphins ni aucun animal car il y avait trop de vent et la mer beaucoup trop agité. La moitié du bateau était malade, moi y compris c'était pas une parti de plaisir ! Beaucoup trop long quand on est malade et qu'en plus on ne voit aucun dauphins. Ce n'est pas de leur faute, c'est juste que pour moi si j'avais su, je ne l'aurais pas fait.

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From Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise - Half Day

Hi Laureen It was a hard day out with the winds, however everyone was briefed at checkin that it would be a windy and bumpy day.. also that was reiterated in the crew briefing before departure. We make every effort to advise people to take motion sickness medication in all our correspondence emails which we assume you did not read ! There were some customers that suffered from motion sickness and it’s unpleasant experience, however it was a few people not half the boat as described .. Our customers are always updated on weather conditions you had the option not to participate, I’m sure it was a translation problem as you are French. We hope you have a chance to try out in nature again Thanks Bay Explorer crew

Em from New Zealand wrote on 24 March 2025

Magical Experience

We were absolutely fortunate to witness something truly magical! As we sailed out, two majestic orcas greeted us, and just minutes later, the captain announced he'd spotted some dolphins. In no time, they were everywhere, filling the water with their playful energy. It was a mesmerizing sight as they danced around us, creating an unforgettable moment. Huge thanks to Bay of Explorer for providing us with such a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Truly incredible!

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keshg from New Zealand wrote on 06 March 2025

Dolphin encounter

Great trip out looking for dolphins, friendly staff, knowledgable. In touch with other boaties to understand where the dolphins were. Once we saw them we stayed by for a while. Was awesome.

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Laura S from Germany wrote on 03 March 2025

Awesome

It was great! The Crew was lovely, had interesting Information and we were so Lucky as to be joined by a group of Dolphins for approximately an hour, playing and swimming around the boat.

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When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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