Yes, they are! We are proud to have a high success rate of Wildlife encounters, spotted by our eagle-eyed crew. However these are wild animals, no matter how friendly they like to greet us. If we do not locate any, we offer a second cruise absolutely free to our passengers. Contact us to rebook.

Our Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise costs $175 for adults. There are promotions available at times – please check out the home page for any current offers. 
Family discounts also available online

Yes. Bookings are essential to secure your trip. Bookings can be made online and secured with safe payment through our payment gateway.
If you’re visiting the region, we recommend you book your experience with us on your first available day in the Bay, so that if the trip is postponed due to weather you may (subject to availability) have the option of an alternate day.

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure time. That is 8:30am – please allow time from your accommodation for traffic and parking. Its a 9:00am latest departure for our Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise.

Please arrive on time as a courtesy to your crew and your fellow passengers. It is very important that you provide contact details (including a New Zealand mobile phone number) incase we need to get hold of you.

Our cruise is scheduled to return between 1 & 2pm. Variations are due to the seasonality between summer and winter, daylight saving, clients’ commitment to time, sea conditions, weather, time with dolphins or other marine life we encounter.

Bay Explorer is the largest & spacious charter boat in the Bay of Plenty, a 18.5 metre (60ft) single hull vessel.
The boat is stable in all sea conditions and designed for your safety and comfort. It has a large and open top deck, great for viewing dolphins and other marine wildlife and shelter on the lower deck from sun and weather. Two bathrooms, a licensed bar and its quiet… you won’t even hear the engine, just the dolphins!!

The following items are recommended for all trips:

• Your own lunch (either a packed lunch or picnic is best)
• A warm jacket (bring an extra layer or two so you can layer up or layer down according to the weather)
• Eftpos card or cash (we have a licenced bar onboard, plus a range of hot drinks & snacks)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera (check that your camera is charged; we do have a 230v power charger on board as a back-up)
• Binoculars if you have them (we have a pair on board but if you have your own please bring them).

All of our cruises include:

• Close up encounters with marine wildlife.
• Cruising on our comfortable vessel BAY EXPLORER.
• Department of Conservation permit: We have a government permit to view dolphins’ whales and seals, we will spend time with these mammals whenever we see them.
• The shared knowledge and passion of our professional and experienced captain and crew.
• Onboard books and resources
• An onboard licensed bar where you can purchase cold beer, chilled regional wine and much more.
• Bring your camera for a photographer’s dream shoot. 

Yes you can! We offer Children’s pricing for ages 6-12, and for children 5 years and under. Its a magical family experience.

If bringing children, please be aware of the following:
You can bring prams, and anything to support your childrens comfort. While our boat is spacious, it is not a playground and children must be supervised at all times. It is not an option to turn around and come back for one passenger, so please only bring your children if you think they will be okay on the boat for the entire duration of the trip.

If you have suffered from seasickness in the past, or think you might, then we recommend taking some seasickness medication before the cruise (read the label carefully as some require that you take the medication the night before). We also recommend bringing some spare medication with you. We have options onboard also, but you can normally get them from local pharmacies. It is best to drink fresh water, avoid acidic foods

If we cancel the cruise due to weather we will either postpone you to another day, or offer a refund.

Yes. There are two fully-flushing household toilets on board.

NO commercial operator can offer swimming with dolphins that have juveniles present in the pod (under the Marine Mammal Protection Act), and juveniles are often present over summer months. You must be made legally aware of this if booking with other operators. Instead, we encourage watching marine wildlife from the comfort of the boat. It’s awesome, and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism.

Dolphin watching and other wildlife interactions from our boat is a breathtaking experience, made better since the animals are not interfered with. Our massive outdoor cruise deck aboard the Bay Explorer is ideal for viewing dolphins and all wildlife. These young animals being adorable to watch and witness.

With over 20 years experience and research undertaken, our crew are experienced and knowledgeable. Finding marine mammals in the Bay of Plenty is a study of the food chain, and requires an understanding of tidal flows and current movements.

Most importantly, finding wildlife relies on a keen eye and an ability to keep focused on the water; it requires concentration as there is nothing really to focus on the sea and 360° viewing with an infinity of water, but a trained eye can pick up the slightest movement up to a 2km away.

Finding the local seabirds and schooling fish can be the gateway to finding dolphins on our safari. It requires an understanding of tidal flows and current movements to find fish and birds. Often you must rely on your own instinct from many encounters in past days. We also keep in touch with other boats in the Bay, who have spotted animals on their own travels.

Yes, the Bay Explorer is great for photographic groups, social groups, business groups and conferences etc. It is an ideal activity for a half or whole day outing. We offer a 20% group discount for groups of ten or more. Special educational rates are also available during our low season. Please contact us for more information and private cruises.

Yes, everyone! We cater to a broad base of clientele and love putting a smile on passengers faces. With wildlife encounters, scenic views, family friendly, spacious decks, sunny cruising, informative commentary, and a fully stocked bar what more could you need.

Yes, we can accommodate wheelchairs if confirmed in advance, as there are limited spaces available. Please inform crew if you have special medical or physical needs. We can also provide mobility friendly parking and assistance.

No, our cruise does not call for a certain amount of physical ability – you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy all that you can see. Please inform crew however, if you have any special medical or physical needs. We can then arrange mobility friendly parking, and accommodate wheelchairs with prior notice.

Marine mammals face many outside threats, ranging from commercial whaling to captivity, ship strikes and pollution. Fortunately in New Zealand there is a very strong advocacy to protect these animals. Legislation has been established to help the protection of species and habitat. There are many ways to reduce impact on these animals with the right understanding of their biology and behaviour. All crew members of the Bay Explorers are marine enthusiasts and conservationists.

Read our great books and folio about animals, geography, history, and the cultures past and present. We have compiled a selection of material from various publications pertaining to Marine Mammals in NZ and worldwide. This is available to you in open book form, laminated, a living document updated and edited regularly.
Current books include:

• WONDERS OF THE SEA: THE PROTECTION OF NEW ZEALAND’S MARINE
• MAMMALS by Kate Mulcahy & Raewyn Peart.
• DOLPHINS OF AOTEAROA. LIVING WITH NZ DOLPHINS by Raewyn Peart
• Marine themed coloring packs for kids

We work with the Department of Conservation, collecting data with every encounter about the marine mammals, their environment and their behaviors. Our business also enables research to be carried out for Masters and PhD studies, supporting students at Toi Ohomai and the University of Waikato in their Marine Studies and surveys.

Concise itinerary: We cruise under the Tauranga harbour bridge that links the city to the popular beach area of Mount Maunganui. Tauranga Port (up close) ships and port activities. Cruise ships and Container ships when in port. The islands of Matakana, Rangiwaea, Motuhoa. Villages of Te Puna, Omokoroa, Mount Maunganui. Statue of Tangaroa (Guardian and god of the sea), the harbour entrance to the Pacific ocean. Kaimai ranges. Mauao our Mountain and the popular walking tracks. Marine wildlife can include birds, penguins, fish, seals and sharks seasonally.

The Scenic Cruise is three hours and departs from CBD Tauranga at the Strand, easily found on the waterfront.
We traveling the waters of beautiful Te Awanui in a circuit from Tauranga to Omokoroa return

Yes. Bookings are essential to secure your trip – bookings can be made online and secured with safe payment through our payment gateway.
If you’re visiting the region, we recommend you book on your first available day in the Bay, so that if the trip is postponed due to weather you may (subject to availability) have the option of an alternate day.

Check-in is 30 minutes before departure time. That is  3:00pm.

Please allow time from your accommodation for traffic and parking. Its a 3:30pm latest departure for our Tauranga Scenic Harbour Cruise. Please be on time as a courtesy to your crew and your fellow passengers.

You may bring your own food on board and non-alcoholic drinks. There is a licensed bar on board and drinks can be purchased with cash or EFTPOS (major credit cards accepted ) Foreign currency accepted.

The following items are recommended for all trips:

• A warm jacket (bring an extra layer or two so you can layer up or layer down according to the weather)
• Eftpos card or cash (we have a licenced bar onboard, plus a range of snacks)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Camera (check that your camera is charged; we do have a 230v power charger on board as a back-up)
• Binoculars if you have them (we have a pair on board but if you have your own please bring them).

We have a selection of snacks only, crisps, chocolate, noodles, and microwave meals.

Yes, Bay Explorer is the largest charter vessel in the Bay of Plenty. With a massive top viewing deck and load of sheltered seats on the lower deck. There is plenty of room for kids, prams and it is safe.

It is not required by law or by Bay Explorer to wear lifejackets. Life jackets are available only in an emergency. The vessel is a large 18m passenger vessel and well appointed with all safety equipment. Like an aircraft, we do a safety briefing at departure and crew help monitor your comfort and safety onboard.

Bay Explorer have the right to cancel or negotiate a postponement if there is weather or logistical issues to consider. The safety  and comfort of the passengers, crew and vessel are important to us.

It is generally an all weather option and would only be cancelled if weather was considered advanced. This is the decision of the captain and advance notice would be given to passengers. If the cruise is cancelled by our management an alternative departure can be scheduled or full refund provided.

No, our cruise does not call for a certain amount of physical ability – you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy all that you can see. Please inform crew however, if you have any special medical or physical needs. We can then arrange door to door parking, and accommodate wheelchairs with prior notice.

Please contact us by email at [email protected] to discuss any private charters or group bookings. Agents are welcome

Yes. There are two fully-flushing house hold toilets on board.

Yes, we can accommodate wheelchairs if confirmed in advance, as there are limited spaces available. Please inform crew if you have special medical or physical needs. We can also provide mobility friendly parking and assistance.

Yes, everyone! We cater to a broad base of clientele and love putting a smile on passengers faces. With scenic views, family friendly design, spacious decks, sunny cruising, informative commentary, and a fully stocked bar what more could you need.

We are surveyed for 147 passengers. Please contact us with your requirements

We have multiple dining options from platters to mains and deserts. Our various professional caterers have put together some amazing dishes for a casual dining experience. You can also self cater or cook on board with our large custom BBQ

Our vessel, Bay Explorer, can easily cater for small and large private groups with bar/beverage facilities as well as catering options and music. The cruises are typically 3hrs but we can shorten or extend. You will cruise the calm inner harbour and the shores of the inner islands with music, bar and good hospitality. You will travel with space and style on Tauranga’s largest charter vessel. We have an enclosed area downstairs for everyone to sit and a large open top deck big enough for everyone to stand or be seated.

We have a base rate of $1500 incl. GST for up to 30 passengers and $50pp after that. Catering and Bar are additional costs.

Simply contact us and we can put together an itinerary and costs. We are in huge demand over Xmas and summer, bookings require a date and time to be confirmed.
We hope this helps in creating your private function, its easy to sort details as we get underway. Let us know what we can do to help

Yes. Bookings are essential to secure your trip – bookings can be made by enquiry with your details and type of function.

Yes, we have two bathrooms on board with running water and sanitation.

Yes, we can accommodate wheelchairs if confirmed in advance, as there are limited spaces available. Please inform crew if you have special medical or physical needs. We can also provide mobility friendly parking.

Our vessel, Bay Explorer can easily cater for small and large private groups with bar/beverage facilities as well as catering options and music. The cruises are typically 3hrs but we can shorten or extend. You will cruise the calm inner harbour and the shores of the inner islands with music, bar and good hospitality. You will travel with space and style on Tauranga’s largest charter vessel. We have an enclosed area downstairs for everyone to sit and a large open top deck big enough for everyone to stand or be seated.

We are surveyed for 147 passengers. Please contact us with your requirements

We have a base rate of $1500 incl. GST for up to 30 passengers and $50pp after that. Catering and Bar are additional costs.

Yes, we have hand held microphone which can be heard throughout the vessel. Just let our crew know if your wish to make an announcement or speech. We also have chrome cast if screens and presentations are required.

We have multiple dining options from platters to mains and deserts. Our various professional caterers have put together some amazing dishes for a casual dining experience. You can also self cater or cook on board with our large custom BBQ

Simply contact us and we can put together an itinerary and costs. We are in huge demand over Xmas and summer, bookings require a date and time to be confirmed
We hope this helps in creating your private function, its easy to sort details as we get underway. Let us know what we can do to help

Yes. Bookings are essential to secure your trip – bookings can be made by enquiry with your details and type of function

Yes we have two bathrooms on board with running water and sanitation.

Yes, we can accommodate wheelchairs if confirmed in advance, as there are limited spaces available. Please inform crew if you have special medical or physical needs. We can also provide mobility friendly parking.

Our vessel, Bay Explorer can easily cater for small and large private groups with bar/beverage facilities as well as catering options and music. The cruises are typically 3hrs but we can shorten or extend. You will cruise the calm inner harbour and the shores of the inner islands with music, bar and good hospitality. You will travel with space and style on Tauranga’s largest charter vessel. We have an enclosed area downstairs for everyone to sit and a large open top deck big enough for everyone to stand or be seated.

We are surveyed for 147 passengers. Please contact us with your requirements

We have a base rate of $1500 incl. GST for up to 30 passengers and $50pp after that. Catering and Bar are additional costs.

We have multiple dining options from platters to mains and deserts. Our various professional caterers have put together some amazing dishes for a casual dining experience. You can also self cater or cook onboard with our large custom BBQ

Simply contact us and we can put together an itinerary and costs. We are in huge demand over Xmas and summer, bookings require a date and time to be confirmed.
We hope this helps in creating your private function, its easy to sort details as we get underway. Let us know what we can do to help

Yes. Bookings are essential to secure your trip – bookings can be made by enquiry with your details and type of function

Yes we have two bathrooms on board with running water and sanitation.

Yes, we can accommodate wheelchairs if confirmed in advance, as there are limited spaces available. Please inform crew if you have special medical or physical needs. We can also provide mobility friendly parking.

• Harbour tours with any educational requirements
• Omokoroa trips
• Matakana island drop offs (day trip only)
• Tuhua island drop offs (overnight camps available)
• Motiti island drop offs (overnight camps to be arranged with the Motiti residents)
• Overnights on the boat
• Dolphin cruises

Yes. Bookings are essential to secure your trip – bookings can be made by enquiry with your details and type of function

The boat departs from the wharf in Tauranga City. (you can find us across the road from the Starbucks cafe).  120 The Strand, Tauranga 311026.

Alternative departures include Mount Maunganui Salisbury Wharf, and Omokoroa Wharf. We can also depart from any of the Tauranga City Marinas

Yes we have two bathrooms on board with running water and sanitation.

Our vessel is not wheelchair friendly in its design but we can accommodate wheelchairs if we know in advance. Please advise us at point of booking (also inform crew if you have any other special
medical or physical needs)