Free Swimming
Tourism New Zealand

Our swim encounters are governed totally each day by the behaviour of the wild dolphins. Wherever possible in good sea conditions we like to free swim with the dolphins. This is done in small groups of 3 - 8 persons only. You must be competent swimmers / snorkellers who will be accompanied by one of our expert dive masters for your in water experience. You will be told how to get the very best out of your in water experience with the dolphins by our guides prior to any swim situation.

For those of you who are not so competent or confident in the open ocean, see our Swim bar section on the main menu you will have just as much fun.

Wild dolphins can be quite timid, but with our wealth of experience we have forged relationships with many dolphin pods we see on a regular basis, and get the best free swim encounters, sometimes in amongst literally hundreds of dolphins, an experience that you will remember for ever.

For more experienced snorkellers, free divers, swimmers or divers, we recommend duck diving down below the surface to really experience the dolphins world and being naturally curious creatures they often come so very close to you to check you out and see what you are up to.

Visibility in the bay is normally excellent in crystal clear blue water. Even though water temps can be up to 26 degrees during summer, we still recommend our full length wetsuits be worn by all swimmers at all times wherever possible to aid buoyancy etc.

We are in the water to observe the dolphins only and enjoy their antics and natural behaviour. No touching or chasing the dolphins is allowed, let the dolphins come to you if they want to, you will get the best experiences on the dolphins terms that way.

Copyright Dolphin Seafaris (NZ) Ltd. © 2012