It had been recommended that the trip to swim with dolphins in Akaroa was well worth it, so we went down to the bay to enquire. Fortunately for us we managed to get the last two places available that day, as the boats only take
out a small number of swimmers the places fill up quick. Other things we have been on say that you will see dolphins and might get to swim with them, but these guys kit you up straight away in wet suits, snorkels etc, so the impression
we got was it was pretty likely we would be getting in the water. Great. The dolphins that swim in this bay are Hector dolphins, which are the smallest dolphins in the world, growing to only 1.2 meters long. They are a protected and endangered species, with a conservation program and protected area in the bay therefore fishing nets are banned which has been a big threat to their survival.

We got kitted up and spilt into two groups, we went out on the small boat with Andrew and Richard as our crew. We came across a few pods which were feeding so the guys headed out further to sea to see what we might find with the view of heading back into the bay for a swim.

We sped and crashed through the open waves, the boat bouncing along enjoying the ride. Then the guys turn to us all and say we think we have just seen the fin of a killer whale, we are heading closer to have a look. At first no one was sure as we all looked around for sign of the fin. We waited, kept driving forward. Nothing. Then there they were, one huge dorsal fin, then another and another…three, a male, female and baby. The crew become visibly excited, trying to radio to the bay what they have seen but we are out of signal range, no communication can be obtained. So there we were out in the ocean rolling amongst the waves, accompanied by these magnificent mammals. We moved in closer and another two whales appear, steph was worried that we might get eaten but was assured we would be fine, they don’t attack boats. All of a sudden one pops ups the side of the boat to say hello and a curious baby comes over and begins to play with the back of the boat. So close to us, its amazing.

We stay for a while watching them, then eventually turn to head back to the bay, as we do I sit and lean out the back of the boat watching them as we head off. All of a sudden the male breaches out of the water, turns and re-enters, its a sight i will never forget, I alert the other and he does it again. We had a French marine biologist on the boat who said she had never witnessed that before.

We arrived back into the bay and jumped into the water to have a swim with 5 hectar dolphins, we only had 15 mins in the water as we had spent so long out with the orca dolphins (killer whales), so they swam around us but weren’t as interactive as they normally are but was still a brilliant experience. We got out and had a warm drink, then headed back, once we were back into signal we were told to get back quick as we were out too long. Crazy thing is they gave offered us a $50 discount as it was classed as an unsuccessful swim!! due to use hectors not being as interactive by the time we were in the water.

We saw the smallest and the largest dolphin in one day, which we were told was a rare treat. That in my book is a pretty dam successful trip.

Next time I am in New Zealand I will be paying these guys another visit.

killer whale

killer whales, babies

whale family