Tauranga's Premier Dolphin Cruise

Get right up close with dolphins as you explore our big blue backyard!

Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard!

Departing at 9am and returning by 2pm – 3pm

Your half-day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, where we will showcase the amazing diversity of Tauranga’s marine wildlife. With dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, it’s the best way to see dolphins in Tauranga. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orcas… even turtles!

Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise offers an authentic Kiwi experience amidst nature—a tale of human fascination with marine life. Join us in exploring the wonders of dolphins and more while searching from the spacious top deck. We limit passengers for comfort, ensuring a personal touch, is ideal for families.

Our knowledgeable captain and crew share their marine insights through engaging commentary, ensuring you won’t miss a thing! It’s a shared, once-in-a-lifetime experience, perfect for photographers.

Come aboard the Bay Explorer, Tauranga’s premier wildlife cruise, and discover why it’s a must for those seeking things to do in Tauranga. You’ll be back by 3:00 pm, leaving you the afternoon to explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty or continue your travels.

 

Includes:

  • A 5 – 6 hour dolphin & wildlife watching cruise on our spacious 18 metre vessel, with 360° outdoor views.

  • Comfortable fully enclosed seating downstairs and a large open sun-deck for wildlife watching.

  • Some of the best marine diversity in New Zealand.

  • Close-up encounters with seasonal marine wildlife – dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, sunfish, school fish, seabirds, sharks, turtles and orca.

  • Cold beer and chilled regional wines from our licenced bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available). 

  • Food options, or bring your own lunch and snacks.

  • Onboard commentary and references with facts on the Bay and local marine wildlife.

  • Our friendly, professional Bay Explorer Crew

  • Photos of a lifetime!

A genuine kiwi experience in nature.

Step aboard our spacious 18 metre vessel for Tauranga’s premier dolphin & wildlife watching cruise. With 360° outdoor views, you can experience close-up encounters with dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, school fish, sharks, orca, turtles and more!

Our crew will also provide fascinating commentary, pointing out all that they see so you won’t miss a thing. It really is the wildlife experience of a lifetime, with photos to match!

Allow up to 5 hours. Departing 9am and returning by 1pm-2pm.

BOOK HERE

Lunch boxes & beverages are available at the checkout.

Use KIWI10 at the checkout for a 10% discount on ADULTS price.

Departing at 9am and returning by 1pm – 2pm

Your half day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise begins as you’re welcomed aboard the Bay Explorer at Tauranga waterfront jetty. You will spend the cruise exploring the pristine Bay of Plenty coastline and islands, where we will showcase the amazing diversity of Tauranga’s marine wildlife. With dolphins swimming alongside our vessel, it’s the best way to see dolphins in Tauranga. Watch seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orca… even turtles!

Our Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is tailored to those wanting a genuine kiwi experience in nature. It’s a story about our human intrigue with amazing marine animals and their habitat. Participate by searching on the large top deck for a once in a lifetime wildlife encounter. We have limited our passenger numbers for comfort and to enable a more personal experience. Our large spacious boat is also ideal for families.

The captain and experienced crew are passionate about the area, and will share their marine knowledge with you throughout the trip. It really is a shared once in a lifetime experience. Don’t forget your camera as we are able to get up close to wildlife, making it a photographer’s dream.

You will return to Tauranga by 2:00pm so you will have the rest of the day to explore our beautiful region, the Bay of Plenty, or continue your travels!

 

“Its all about connecting people with the ocean environment, the wildlife, and providing fun activities. We have proved we run a professional crew, an awesome experience, new adventures and
memorable moments aboard our awesome vessel BAY EXPLORER.”
Brandon Stone

Owner, Bay Explorer

“Its all about connecting people with the ocean environment, the wildlife, and providing fun activities. We have proved we run a professional crew, an awesome experience, new adventures and
memorable moments aboard our awesome vessel BAY EXPLORER.”
Brandon Stone

Owner, Bay Explorer

Important information:

We operate seven days a week weather permitting. Should weather conditions prohibit open ocean cruising, then we will postpone to another date, or offer a refund. Please check the payment and cancellation policy page for payment and cancellation details.

Also please see our FAQs page for more information.

The Bay Explorer

Bay Explorer are local boat tour specialists who are passionate about all our region has to offer. We are proudly Kiwi owned and operated, with plenty of experience running day trips from Tauranga.

Departure Point

Corner of Wharf Street & The Strand
Tauranga
New Zealand 3110

Ph: 021 605 968
Intnl: +64 21 605 968

Accredited by QUALMARK Tourism New Zealand’s proud mark of excellence.

footer-doc-100pxEndorsed by Department of Conservation New Zealand to interact with marine wildlife.

footer-trip-100pxCheck out the Bay Explorer reviews on Trip Advisor New Zealand!