Viator Rating : 5 (188 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.4/10 (Solid Experience)
Tauranga
Swim with Wild Dolphins: Tauranga's Epic Ocean Tour
360
Overview
Swim With Wild Dolphins in Tauranga offers a one-of-a-kind adventure into the Bay of Plenty. It's a top-rated experience, celebrated with a Trip Advisor Award of Excellence for four years. This tour takes guests into the dolphins' natural home to see them up close.
The adventure focuses on finding common dolphins and other sea creatures. There's no set route; instead, the boat follows the best path based on the day's weather to find a dolphin pod. Guests can watch from the boat or swim with the dolphins. The boat, named Guardian, is a fast and safe catamaran that has a perfect safety record for over 14 years.
This trip includes a professional guide, use of snorkeling gear, and live commentary. Guests also enjoy sightseeing, dolphin watching, and provided drinks like tea and coffee. T-shirts are available to buy, but are not included in the tour. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (8 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Highlights
Swim with Dolphins: Get in the water and swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.
See Marine Wildlife: Search for dolphins and other amazing sea creatures in the Bay of Plenty.
Safe and Comfortable Boat: Travel on the 'Guardian,' a fast, stable catamaran with a perfect safety record.
Drinks Provided: Enjoy tea, coffee, and other beverages during the tour.
Expert Crew: Learn from experienced guides who provide live commentary.
Snorkeling Gear: Use snorkeling gear provided to enhance your swim with the dolphins.
Sentiment Analysis
Guests loved seeing dolphins up close in their natural home.
-
Many felt it was a magical and unforgettable experience.
-
Snorkeling and swimming with the dolphins was a big hit.
-
The boat crew are friendly and helpful
Some people didn't get to swim because the dolphins weren't in a swimming mood.
-
The day can be long and tiring depending on weather
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a professional guide, snorkeling equipment, live commentary, a dolphin cruise, and beverages like tea and coffee. What is not included is T-shirts are available to purchase. Please note, pickup/dropoff/meetup times vary. Please check the booking confirmation for exact details.
Hot Tip
Some guests recommend bringing a waterproof camera to capture photos of the dolphins. Wear layers, as the weather can change quickly. If you tend to get seasick, take medication beforehand. The crew is friendly and helpful, feel free to ask any questions to enhance your experience.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour offers an exciting opportunity to encounter wild dolphins in their natural habitat, with many praising the crew's expertise and enthusiasm in locating pods[3]. However, reviewers note that actual dolphin sightings are not guaranteed—some travelers experienced no dolphin encounters or found the experience less interactive than expected[1]. Those who did see dolphins described the interaction as memorable and worthwhile, though the experience can be intense, with fast boat speeds to catch up with pods[4]. The tour's value depends heavily on dolphin availability and weather conditions on your specific tour date.
Frequently Asked Questions
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