Dolphin Watching in Tauranga
Watch dolphins swimming up close as you explore our big blue backyard!
Departing at 9am and returning by 1pm – 2pm. Allow up to 5 hours.
Watch dolphins bow riding just metres from you, swimming alongside the boat, and interacting with our vessel as you explore our big blue backyard. Our half-day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise departs daily from Tauranga waterfront jetty aboard the Bay Explorer – Bay of Plenty’s largest wildlife watching vessel.
Come aboard and discover why our premier Tauranga dolphin cruise is a must for those seeking things to do in Tauranga. You’ll be back by 2:00 pm, leaving you the afternoon to explore the beautiful Bay of Plenty or continue your travels.
What’s Included:
- A half-day 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 licensed bar and non-alcoholic beverages (Eftpos available).
- 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.
BOOK HERE
Cruise Ship Transfers & Beverages are available at the checkout.
“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.”
What You’ll See on Your Tauranga Dolphin Tour
A dolphin tour is the best way to see dolphins in Tauranga. 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.
Dolphins are the star attraction – watch them bow riding at the front of our vessel, swimming alongside us, and interacting with the boat. Summer’s calving season (November to February) brings baby dolphins travelling with their mothers, making it peak viewing time for dolphin watching in Tauranga.
If you’re weighing up dolphin tours in the Bay of Plenty compared to the Bay of Islands, our region’s unique geography creates a natural gathering point for marine life. Spot seasonal seabirds, penguins, seals, whales, sunfish, school fish, sharks, orcas… even turtles! As we cruise through Tauranga Harbour, our crew provides commentary on local landmarks, including Mauao (Mount Maunganui), Tangaroa, and the working port, before heading out to sea.
Why Our Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise in Tauranga Stands Out
Bay of Plenty’s Largest Wildlife Vessel
At 18 metres long, the Bay Explorer is the largest wildlife watching vessel in the region. This means exceptional stability, more room to move, and better vantage points for spotting wildlife.
We’re licensed for 149 passengers, but cap numbers at 40 to 80 to keep things comfortable.
Expert Crew, Real Knowledge
Our knowledgeable captain and crew are well-versed in marine biology. Their commentary covers everything from dolphin behaviour to harbour history, ensuring you won’t miss a thing during your Tauranga dolphin and wildlife cruise!
All Ages Welcome
Bring the whole family. We accommodate babies (all ages welcome), strollers, grandparents, and more.
The enclosed lower deck offers shelter, while the upper sun-deck provides 360° views for keen wildlife spotters and photographers looking to snap the perfect shot.
Watching, Not Swimming
Wondering if it is bad to swim with dolphins? Our observation-based dolphin tour in Tauranga lets you enjoy incredible close encounters without disrupting natural dolphin behaviour.
This means everyone participates regardless of age or swimming ability, and dolphins interact with the vessel naturally.
Plan Your Tauranga Dolphin Watching Experience
★ Season: October to May (we’re closed over winter, but you can pre-book any time for the upcoming season)
★ Departure: 9am from Tauranga waterfront jetty, returning 1-2pm – plenty of time to explore the Bay of Plenty afterwards
★ Weather: We operate seven days a week, weather permitting. If conditions aren’t suitable for open ocean cruising, we’ll reschedule or refund. Tip: book early in your trip so you have flexibility if we need to postpone.
★ What to bring: Camera, sunscreen, and your own lunch, if you’d like. Layers are your friend if you’re not sure what to wear on a dolphin cruise; it’s cooler on the water than on land. Our licensed bar serves cold beer, regional wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.
See our payment and cancellation policy and FAQs page for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer swimming with dolphins?
No, our dolphin trips in Tauranga focus on watching from the boat.
This approach means everyone can participate regardless of age or swimming ability, and it’s far more comfortable for families with young children or older travellers.
How likely are we to see dolphins?
Our sighting rate is over 95%, thanks to our experienced crew who know exactly where to look. Calving season in the summer months from November to February is particularly rewarding – you’re likely to spot baby dolphins alongside adults.
Can we book a private dolphin cruise for an event?
Absolutely, we host private charters for Christmas parties, birthdays, hen and stag dos, and corporate events. Our spacious vessel and licensed bar make group bookings easy.
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