Dolphin and wildlife cruises from Tauranga are seasonal trips that leave from the city waterfront and from Tauranga Bridge Marina. Bookably lists 7 places to stay in the area around Tauranga.
Operators for dolphin and wildlife cruises from Tauranga
- Bay Explorer A half-day dolphin and wildlife cruise, from the Tauranga city waterfront.
- Dolphin Seafaris A day trip to find and watch wild dolphins, with swimming when conditions allow, from Tauranga Bridge Marina.
Listed in alphabetical order. Bookings are made with each operator, not through Bookably, and this list may not be complete.
Good to know about dolphin and wildlife cruises from Tauranga
- Bay Explorer says its cruises watch dolphins from the boat and do not include swimming with them.
- Dolphin Seafaris offers swimming alongside dolphins when their behaviour and its marine mammal permit allow, and says a swim is not guaranteed.
- Dolphin Seafaris sets a minimum age of seven to swim, and sets a minimum number of passengers for each trip to go ahead.
- Dolphin Seafaris gives its season as November to the end of April, and Bay Explorer gives its season as starting in October.
- Bay Explorer says bookings are essential and that all ages are welcome.
Details checked October 2026. Confirm with the operator before you book.
Places to stay near Tauranga
Sunny Apartment in Downtown Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui
Sleeps: 4
Beds: 3
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Secluded cabin with sea views - Papamoa Hills
Waitao, Tauranga
Sleeps: 2
Beds: 1
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Where to stay for dolphin and wildlife cruises from Tauranga
Places to stay near Tauranga are in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Omanawa, Whakamārama, and Pāpāmoa.