Swimming with Dolphins

An unforgettable New Zealand experience

Commander I operates with a Marine Mammal Permit, issued by the Department of Conservation, which allows us to swim with dolphins. Dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations and interaction with them is dependant upon weather conditions and pod behaviour and makeup on the day.

Dolphins form social networks, called pods, and here they gain protection and social interaction and are able to hunt co-operatively to find food. We may come across one or several pods of dolphins each outing; the ocean is a big place and dolphins are not always in the same area. Patience is recommended!

Once we have located an adult pod, we’ll get you ready to enter the water. Wetsuits and snorkelling equipment are provided, and our vessel has been fitted with a swim rope to hold onto while you are in the water. Dolphins will dart, dive and swim around you as you are towed slowly along behind Commander I. It is completely safe and you will be assisted by our experienced crew at all times.

Trip Detail

Our swimming with dolphin day trips depart from Tauranga at 8:00am & returns between 3-4pm. You will be advised where our departure points are when you book.

We don’t have a fixed course; it all depends on the weather and on where dolphins may be found on any given day. Our main objective is to locate and swim with dolphins!

Our vessel has been fitted with a swim rope to hold onto while in the water. Dolphins will dart, dive and swim around you as you are towed slowly along behind our boat, Commander I.
Even though our primary goal is to find dolphins, you are also likely to see a wide range of marine and bird life on your journey. The surrounding scenery includes several offshore Islands; Matakana Island, privately owned and largely unpopulated, Karewa Island, a wildlife sanctuary and Motiti and Mayor Islands, home to a marine reserve.



Book your trip today!

THINGS TO KNOW - PLEASE READ

• Commander I operates with a Marine Mammal Permit issued by the Department of Conservation which allows us to swim with dolphins.
• Dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations and interaction with them is dependant upon weather conditions and pod behaviour. If a pod has baby dolphins we are not permitted to swim with them.
• While it is our goal to ensure your trip is everything you expect, your safety and the dolphins’ wellbeing must be our first priority.