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Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Swimming Tour

South Island

E-ko Tours

from
NZ$199
per adult
Book Now
Snorkeller swimming right next to two dolphins in crystal-clear waters.

Experiences

Snorkelling & Diving Snorkelling & Diving Nature & Wildlife Nature & Wildlife Family-friendly Tours Family-friendly Tours Cruises Cruises Half-Day Tours Half-Day Tours Small Group Tours Small Group Tours

South Island

Start: Picton
Duration: 2-4 hours
Minimum Age: 12

Details

Marlborough Sounds Dolphin Swimming Tour

The Marlborough Sounds is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful marine playgrounds, and joining a dolphin swimming tour here is an unforgettable way to connect with nature. The calm waters are home to several dolphin species, including Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca, and the rare Hector’s dolphins. Watching them leap, play, and glide alongside the boat creates memories you’ll treasure forever.

What makes this experience so special is the balance between fun and care for the dolphins. Our qualified guides make sure you and the dolphins enjoy the encounter safely, ensuring the animals are never disturbed. Whether you’re in the water swimming or simply viewing from the boat, every moment feels magical.

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Wildlife Encounters in the Marlborough Sounds

Our Department of Conservation permits allow us to search for and interact with all species of marine mammals that inhabit the Sounds. We take you to where the wildlife is and provide respectful interactions with these amazing creatures. During the cruise, we're also likely to see NZ Fur Seals and a variety of seabirds such as Gannets, Shearwaters, and Penguins.

Joining a dolphin swimming tour in the Marlborough Sounds is more than just an adventure, it’s a chance to appreciate the region’s rich marine life and natural beauty. From the thrill of spotting dolphins up close to the serenity of cruising through sheltered waters, every part of the journey highlights why this area is considered one of New Zealand’s most stunning destinations.

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Guests in wetsuits listening to a pre-swim safety briefing at E-Ko Tours base in Picton.
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Group of snorkellers and viewers watching dolphins from a boat in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Tour group watching dolphins swim near the boat in the calm Marlborough Sounds.
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Tour group spotting a dolphin swimming just beneath the surface in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Snorkeller capturing a photo of a dolphin in the calm waters of the Marlborough Sounds.
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People on a boat getting a close view of Dusky dolphins in Marlborough Sounds.
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Group watching a single dolphin in emerald waters during a Marlborough tour.
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Two people on a boat watching dolphins swim gracefully at the surface nearby.
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Tour group preparing to enter the water as a dolphin swims nearby.
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Snorkellers entering the water as a dolphin swims below in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Tour group swimming with dolphins in open water, viewed from the boat.
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Group of snorkellers swimming near dolphins in the deep blue water of the Sounds.
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Dolphins swimming directly alongside a group of snorkellers in blue ocean water
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Swimmers spread out in open water with mountain and island views in the background.
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A New Zealand fur seal relaxing on the surface of the water in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Group of swimmers in wetsuits interacting with a dolphin near a rocky Marlborough coast.
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Three swimmers floating near a dolphin during a swim in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Seal swimming alongside snorkellers near a boat in the Marlborough Sounds.
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Tour group swimming close to a pod of dolphins in open Marlborough waters.
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Group of snorkellers in the water with a seal nearby in the Marlborough Sounds.

FEATURES:

  • Cruise Calm Sheltered Waters of Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Exclusive No Seasickness Guarantee
  • Experienced Captains with Fun and informative commentary
  • Personalized Small Fully Guided Group Tour (1-15 ratio)
  • FREE Binoculars for you and Species ID Cards
  • Amazing Photo opportunities so close you only need a phone
  • FREE High-Quality Wildlife Photos
  • Bottlenose, Common, Dusky, Hectors Dolphins and Orca
  • Family Friendly Boats with Children Toys and education
  • Complimentary Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits
  • Travel with E-Ko and Support local Conservation efforts
  • Go Pro camera available for hire

WHAT TO BRING

  • Swimwear
  • sunscreen
  • water
  • A towel
  • A sense of adventure!

AGE INFO

  • Adult: 16 years +
  • Children: 12-15 years
  • Minimum Age: 12 years

CANCELLATION & REFUND

  • More than 24 hours prior to departure: Full Refund (less any booking or credit card fees).*
  • Within 24 hours of the tour departure: No Refund

Note: *Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

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