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Dolphin Encounter


TripAdvisor Traveller Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 14 attractions in Kaikoura
Traveller Description: Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.
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Attraction type: Tour
Activities: Swimming with dolphins
Address: 96 Esplanade Kaikoura 7300
New Zealand
Tel: 03 319 6777
Fax: 03 319 6564

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
14 Nov 2009
1
person found this review helpful

We had initially booked the earliest slot but were informed that the trip would be cancelled due to weather conditions. However, the helpful staff from Dolphin Encounters helped to place us on the waiting list for the later slots and we were relieved to receive a phonecall from them later in the day. The search for dolphins can take around... more

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5 of 5 stars
Redlands, California
30 Aug 2009

This is by far the best place to see dolphins in the natural habitat. Most places that allow you to swim with dolphins have them trapped in a lagoon or bribe them with food. Not here. We saw hundreds of dolphins, snorkeled with them and had a great time. The only drawback was the cold water. We were there in... more

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5 of 5 stars
Europe
30 Aug 2009

This was a truly incredible experience, I would strongly reccomend this as my number 1 thing to do in New Zealand. First of all, I have to say that I went twice, the first time I saw dolphins but didn't get to swim with them (as it was only a small pod). The second time (a week later), I managed... more

Awful!
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3 of 5 stars
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
11 Aug 2009

I want in August which is their winter. they gave us winter wet suits, but it was still freezing cold. I was so cold I could hardly breath or swim. I saw alot of dolphins but couln't enjoy it. also I extremely seasick after we got on board the boat. The staff was good, but the sea was very rough.... more

Management response from
Jo Thompson, Marketing Manager

Thank you for taking the time to write your review and I'm really sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy your time with us. August is definitely the coldest time of year in Kaikoura and we've implemented lots of things to try and keep our brave customers warm. Things like very good quality wetsuits, boots, hoods, gloves, hot showers and...

15 Apr 2009
1
person found this review helpful

We signed up for the early morning wild dolphin encounter, and although early - o dark thirty - we were the first ones out on the ocean. We located the dolphins just after sunrise, and the early morning light was fantastic. The dolphins were extremely active and acrobatic, and with guidelines from our fantstic guides, we were able to engage... more

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4 of 5 stars
Northamptonshire
12 Apr 2009

We went on the dolphin encounter on a very rough day (descibed as heavy swell with strong sea sickness warning), when the first trip of the day (5am) had been cancelled. We were on the swimming with dolphins encounter, although others on our boat were just watching. I would advise anyone who is not a strong swimmer, or who has... more

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5 of 5 stars
Chicago, IL
11 Apr 2009

The Dolphin Encounter was an amazing experience. It is not for those who get sea sick easily though. The Dolphin Encounter building was very new and inviting. It had a cafe and a gift shop. The cafe had very tasty food and a wide selection. To begin the tour, we had to collect our wetsuits and snorkel equipment and then... more

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5 of 5 stars
Cotswolds
28 Dec 2008
2
people found this review helpful

Very professional outfit, with knowledgeable (and interested) staff. Worth every penny, but I don’t consider it expensive at $150 NZD. The first trip (5.30am) is considered to be slightly more successful than later ones, but does depend on disposition of wild animals! Anyway it's a cracking way to start your day. All equipment is provided (full wet suit, mask, snorkel... more

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5 of 5 stars
Christchurch, New Zealand
9 Dec 2008
1
person found this review helpful

The whole experience from start to finish was excellent. The customer service was second to none and the Dolphins were awesome. Highly recommended. more

19 Oct 2008
2
people found this review helpful

this was the most amazing encounter ever. we saw hundreds of them. they were very good about getting people fitted with their wet suits and getting out to the boat and into the water pretty quick. we got to swim with them for a little over half an hour. mainly due to the coldness and the wind was changing. i... more

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Dolphin Encounter Address

96 Esplanade, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand
Tel: 03 319 6777 Fax: 03 319 6564