Excursion Swimming with hector tour at Akaroa
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Akaroa Harbour, the flooded crater of an extinct volcano, is the ideal setting for an adventure that will have you swimming with some of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins. Grab your swimsuit and towel and set off for what may prove to be the highlight of your trip. This half-day active excursion features stunning scenery and the chance to swim with the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin.
Scenic Views, Local Wildlife
Step aboard a modern vessel and skim along scenic Banks Peninsula. Formed millions of years ago by the Lyttelton and Akaroa volcanoes, this dramatic landform is dotted with 500-foot-high cliffs, plunging palm-fringed gullies, and ancient lava flows in pink, purple and red. It shelters an equally stunning marine mammal sanctuary and a rich population of Hector's dolphin, yellow-eyed penguin, white-flippered penguin and the New Zealand fur seal.
Safety Briefing, Gear Fitting, Cruise & Swim, Hot Shower
Learn all about the region and enjoy up close views of abundant wildlife as your skipper guides his vessel to the best viewing areas. Your adventure includes approximately two hours of cruising with up to 45 minutes in the water with dolphins and all equipment is provided including wetsuits and mask and a hot shower afterwards.
Hector's Dolphins
Dolphins, along with whales and porpoises, are descendants of terrestrial mammals which entered the water roughly 50 million years ago. New Zealand, the only home of the rare Hector's dolphin designated Akaroa Harbour as its first marine mammal sanctuary in 1988. The boundaries were extended in 2008 and the preserve now reaches beyond Banks Peninsula to include coasts to the north and south and 12 nautical miles off-shore. Thanks to both public and community conservation work, dolphin numbers continue to rise.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Akaroa Harbour, Hector's Dolphins
Note
Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of activity and is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, agile to get in and out of the boat/water, and are confident swimmers. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who suffer motion sickness and utilise a wheelchair. Guests must have reasonable upper body strength to be able to climb a short ladder to re-board the boat after being in the water. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up and bring sun protection, towels, toiletries for shower, warm clothing for changing and bottled water from the ship. Snorkelling gear and wetsuits are provided. It is important for guests to listen to the instructions of the guides and follow the rules accordingly. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.