Dolphin Discoveries – Explore NZ, Bay of Islands

Join Explore NZ on one of their yellow and black power catamarans and get the chance to swim with dolphins, visit the ‘Hole in the Rock’ and cruise among the 144 islands or go back in time and learn more about the heritage of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

Experience Dolphin Discoveries’ high speed luxury catamarans, the ultimate dolphin eco-adventure with easy access to the water. Dolphin Discoveries is a multi-award winning company, recognised for the commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism in the local community and New Zealand.

Activity Options

Swim with the Dolphins Cruise

• Swim with the dolphins and see these beautiful marine mammals right up close – with the warmest water in New Zealand and the friendliest dolphin species (Bottlenose), the Bay of Islands is the best place to experience swimming with dolphins (conditions permitting)

• Explore NZ’s modern high speed luxury catamaran is the most comfortable dolphin swimming vessel in the Bay and offers easy access to the water.

• Includes: mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and complimentary hot drink after your swim (swimming is optional; you need to be a confident swimmer)

Discover the Bay – ‘Hole in the Rock’ Cruise

• Experience the world famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ on the biggest vessel in the bay and look out for dolphins, whales, birds and other wildlife (Lifetime dolphin viewing guarantee)

• Cruise among the 144 islands the Bay of Islands is famous for and enjoy the stunning scenery and informative commentary about marine mammals, geography and history

• Island stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island and learn about Project Island Song

Day Discovery (Historical Cruise)

• A journey through the islands, taking in the Black Rocks and viewing the fascinating Marsden Cross and site of Rangihoua Pa while cruising up the Kerikeri River, incl. time ashore at the Kerikeri Basin

• A guided tour of NZ’s oldest surviving buildings: Stone Store and Kemp House (included in price)

• A visit to the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’ and when conditions permit travel through it

• Island time at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island

Dolphin / Sail Adventure Combo

• Don’t compromise. Give yourself the best chance and join the morning Swim with the Dolphins cruise, then transfer on to Lion New Zealand in time for lunch, kayaking, snorkeling or exploring ashore. Participate or sit back & relax. More info about Lion New Zealand Click Here

Ocean Adventure

• Experience the Ocean Adventure that the Bay of Islands is famous for, speed through the open waters and ride waves, go offshore to capture the excitement of the Cape Brett Peninsula

• Cruise among the 144 islands, visit the Cape Brett Peninsula and the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock’, enter the amazing Cathedral Cave and hear the fascinating tales of the Bay as told by your skipper

• Spot wildlife along the way, option to include an island stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation’s Urupukapuka Island

Departures

• Swim with the Dolphins Cruise departs at 8.00 and 12.30 pm
• Discover the Bay – ‘Hole in the Rock’ Cruise departs at 9 am and 1.30 pm
• Day Discovery (Historical Cruise), departs at 9.00 am (December to March)
• Dolphin/Sail Adventure Combo departs at 8.00 am (November to March)
• Ocean Adventure, departs at 9.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm (November to March)

Duration

• Swim with the Dolphins Cruise: 4 hours
• Discover the Bay – ‘Hole in the Rock’ Cruise: 4 hours
• Day Discovery (Historical Cruise): 7 hours
• Dolphin/Sail Adventure Combo 8.5 hours
• Ocean Adventure: 2.5 hours

Other Information

• Explore NZ provides you with snorkels, masks, fins and half wetsuits for dolphin swimming
• Explore NZ offers a lifetime dolphin viewing guarantee on their Swim with the Dolphins and Discover the Bay ‘Hole in the Rock’ Cruise
• Please note: Discover the Bay ‘Hole in the Rock’ and Swim with the Dolphins cruises are combined in winter. Departs at 9am (4 hours including island stop at Otehei Bay) and 1.30pm (3 hours)

Location

Corner of Marsden and Williams Roads, Paihia, Bay of Islands. Trips depart from the Wharf, Pier to your left (yellow and black boats), in Paihia, directly opposite the Explore NZ office.