Dolphin Eco Cruise in Bay of Islands

Highlights

• Scenic dolphin cruise in Bay of Islands
• Island stopover for swimming & snorkelling
• 90% success rate of spotting marine wildlife!
• Suitable for all the family

Description

The Bay of Islands is a spectacular place, with beautiful scenery, iconic landmarks and plenty of wildlife spotting on the Dolphin Eco Cruise with Explore Group. When you join this experience from Paihia or Russell, you will be treated to 5.5 hours of sightseeing in the Bay of Islands and seeing an abundance of wildlife in their natural environment. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, seals, birdlife and much more on the Dolphin Eco Cruise.

During your half day cruise, you will discover the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands as you cruise onboard a purpose-built Explore Group vessel. The catamaran has plenty of space on outdoor viewing platforms so that you can enjoy the views throughout your Bay of Islands journey and look out for marine mammals. There is both indoor and outdoor seating with the option to purchase drinks and snacks onboard.

Throughout the Dolphin Eco Cruise experience, you will have the chance to learn about the Project Island Song wildlife sanctuary and its commitment to restoring natural ecosystems in the Bay of Islands. The Explore Group guides are passionate about the area and love to share their knowledge during the cruise. There is even a 1.5 hour island stopover on the pest free Urupukapuka Island, where you can spot native birds that have been reintroduced as part of the Project Island Song programme.

Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island is one of the most popular beaches in the Bay of Islands, perfect for relaxing, swimming or snorkelling (conditions permitting). Explore this idyllic beach and its cafe on your 1.5 hour island stopover, before returning to Paihia or Russell on the Dolphin Eco Cruise.

Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee
The Dolphin Eco Cruise with Explore Group is proud to support the Bay of Islands Marine Mammal Sanctuary when it comes to interactions with marine mammals. The friendly experienced crew have a high success rate for locating dolphins, whales and more marine mammals. There is even a ‘Marine Mammal Viewing Guarantee’, which means that if the crew don’t spot any marine mammals on the day, you receive a ‘go again for free’ voucher, so you can take the tour again.

Trip Includes

• 4 hour scenic cruise in the Bay of Islands
• 1.5 hour island stopover 
• Opportunity to see marine mammals (such as dolphins, whales, seals & birdlife)
• Option to snorkel or swim at Otehei Bay

Duration

• Allow 6 hours

Departures

• 11:30am
• Departs from Paihia Wharf (Russell Wharf if requested)
• Operates in summer only (Oct-Apr)

Other Information

• Child rates apply (5-15yrs)
• Infants (0-4yrs) travel free of charge
• You can also depart from Russell rather than Paihia. Please let us know if this is the case by selecting from Russell when making your booking
• Please dress comfortably & bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, warm layer, swimwear, towel & your camera
• Light refreshments are available to purchase onboard
• You can purchase lunch from the cafe at Otehei Bay, or you are welcome to bring your own picnic
• Marine mammal viewing guarantee - this cruise has a 90% success rate of viewing marine mammals, however if no marine mammals are spotted you can cruise again for free.

Normal Retail Prices

• Adult: NZD$150.00
• Child (5-15yrs): NZD$75.00

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