Recent Searches
Clear
Close

Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise

star-4.51,129 Reviews
|
Badge of Excellence
|
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
See More
See More
Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Departing from Auckland's Viaduct Harbour
Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
Marine researchers on board
See More
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

From $84.27

Lowest Price Guarantee

Select Date and Travelers

Number of travelers
1 Adult2 Adults3 Adults4 Adults5 Adults6 Adults7 Adults8 Adults9 Adults0 Children1 Child2 Children3 Children4 Children5 Children6 Children7 Children8 Children9 Children
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Loading available options...
Safety measures
icon4 hours 30 minutes  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 7 more

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Overview

Cruise the waters of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a half-day tour from Auckland. You’ll board a spacious catamaran at Viaduct Harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about New Zealand’s natural wonders. During the whale and dolphin safari, keep an eye out for six types of whales that frequent these waters, as well as seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels and terns.
  • 4.5-hour whale and dolphin watching cruise, from Auckland
  • Ride aboard a custom-built luxury catamaran for a superb viewing experience
  • Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and as many as six types of whales
  • Observe gannets that hunt by plunging into the water at speeds of up to 87 mph (140 kmh)
  • Listen to entertaining and informative commentary provided by your captain and crew
  • Departs from the Viaduct Harbour, conveniently located in downtown Auckland
Saved to wishlist!

From $84.27

Lowest Price Guarantee
Book Now
Local guide
Every ticket purchased contributes directly to Marine Mammal Conservation
Expert commentary/Interaction with our onboard Marine Research Scientists
Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
New Zealand Maritime Museum , Corner of Quay and Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1140, New Zealand
Open in Google Maps
10:30 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
Meet the boat crew at the New Zealand Maritime Museum at Viaduct Harbour, and depart aboard a custom-built 65-foot (20-meter) catamaran, comfortably appointed so you can best view up to six types of whales as well as dolphins and other marine life.

Throughout your 4.5-hour cruise, the captain and guides entertain you with fascinating facts about the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, home to five marine preserves and sprinkled with islands — it's considered one of the world’s most biologically diverse marine parks and home to some 23 different species.

Hear about research conducted in partnerships with local marine scientists and discover which whales the crew tracks. They’ll point out sea mammals such as frequently spotted pods of bottlenose dolphins and Bryde’s whales, native to New Zealand.

Be ready to snap photos of adorable blue penguins. Set your binoculars upon seabirds such as Australasian gannets, petrels, shearwaters and white-fronted terns soaring above or plunging into the sea.

Afterward, the boat returns to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, where your tour ends.

Please note: While wildlife viewings cannot be guaranteed, dolphins and whales are often swimming around these waters. In the event that you do not see any marine mammals during your trip, you can go again another day at no extra charge.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Advisable to dress in warm layers and weatherproof gear as weather can be unpredictable
  • Advisable to bring sun hat (with chin strap to secure it), sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars and flat-soled shoes
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • IMPORTANT: Check in closes 15 minutes prior to stated departure time. Those passengers who are late risk losing their allocated seats.
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 99 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
See all safety measures taken by Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise.

Traveler Photos

See More
See More

Traveler Tips

  • "You need to be ready with your camera if you’re going to get those jumping out of the water and showing off their gymnastic skills." See review
  • "I don't think it was worth the cost of the tour." See review

Reviews by Viator travelers.  We perform checks on reviews

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
1,129 Reviews
5 stars
896
4 stars
147
3 stars
42
2 stars
15
1 star
29

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,129 reviews
star-5
Playful Dolphins
Rodi_N
, Aug 2022
Great experience seeing pod of dolphins in their own habitat. Staff were highly professional and knowledgeable.
... MoreLess
star-5
Whale watching
Adrian_B
, Jul 2022
Tour guide was a wealth of information and sea-life was unforgettable!!! Would strongly recommend this experience to anyone.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Jul 2022
Kia Ora Adrian, thank you for your review and so happy you found the sea-life unforgettable. Hopefully see you again soon.
... MoreLess
star-5
Excellent experience
Josh_M
, Mar 2022
It is awesome that this safari helps with marine biological studies. Seeing the dolphins totally made the day
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2022
Kia ora Josh, The research and studies we do onboard are a key part to what we offer so thank you for highlighting that!
... MoreLess
star-5
Superb experience, a credit to the organisers and great showpiece for Auckland
Brenda_R
, Feb 2022
Beautiful day in my happy place with dolphins and seabirds - magic. Wellorganised and informative trip with just the right amount of commentary
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2022
Kia ora Brenda, It is great to hear you were in your happy place onboard with us! Thanks for the great feedback.
... MoreLess
star-1
Very poor management
Rimma_O
, Dec 2021
Very disappointed. I booked the trip 2 months in advance. It was supposed to be a birthday present for my partner. And 16 hours before the trip I received an email saying it’s cancelled, without an explanation why. So I called help center being very upset that I no longer have a present for my partner. And a girl on the phone said the reason of the cancellation was a mechanical issue. She didn’t even say sorry about me having a terrible experience with them. I totally get it’s not her fault, but we all have to deal with upset customers sometimes and the least we can do is to say sorry. Wouldn’t recommend relying on them and booking it in advance.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Dec 2021
Kia Ora Rimmo_O, Thank you for taking the time to send through your feedback regarding the service you received. Unfortunately, as you mentioned the trip was canceled due to a mechanical issue that prevented us from traveling on the day. It's unfortunate that our team was not able to provide you with the empathy you were seeking for having to cancel your trip with your partner for their birthday. We have already had a discussion with our team regarding your feedback this morning and greatly appreciate your comments.
... MoreLess
star-4
Dolphins galore
Mark_M
, Dec 2021
Great trip. Very over priced though and when we found a cheaper option 2 hours later they wouldn’t refund the $140 difference like the Viator guarantee promises. That part is a rip off. No whale spotting either but lots of dolphins
... MoreLess
star-2
Disappointed
Tina_W
, Jun 2021
Was very disappointed, on cruise for 4 hours and saw 1 small group of whales for approx 20mins and no other mammals If they are hard to find at this time of year maybe the cruise should be shortened so won’t be as boring
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Jun 2021
Kia Ora Tina Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Searching for mammals in the wild can take some time as we also had reports of Orca at Hooks Bay Hopefully, your encounter with whales was enjoyable as they hunted and rubbed their bellies on the rocks. The winter months are a great time to view mammals in the gulf as we have migrating mammals traveling up and down the country.
... MoreLess
star-5
Dolphins
Hemei_L
, Apr 2021
Will be looking for the dolphins for a long time and we found them, That was amazing!! And we have a nice sunset after, really a good trip
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2021
Kia Ora Hemei, Thanks for taking the time to post a review of your time out on safari with us. Seeing dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is pretty amazing! In these months with no daylight saving it does mean you get the added bonus of the sunset as you make your way back to the Auckland Viaduct. Cheers, Anna and the team at Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
... MoreLess
star-5
Fantastic day out.
Amy_P
, Apr 2021
It was a great trip the crew were super friendly and helpful giving really good hints and tips about sea life. We ended up seeing dolphins and a whale on the way back to Auckland which was amazing! It didn’t feel like it was 4 hours as there is loads to see with the scenery. If you are taking children would recommend taking picnic with you, though you can buy tea coffee and snacks on the boat. Fantastic day out.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2021
Kia Ora Amy, Thank you for your great 5 star review of your time with us. We are pleased you enjoyed your safari experience exploring Auckland's Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and managed to see both dolphins and a whale on your way back to the Viaduct! Cheers, Anna and the team at Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
... MoreLess
star-2
No dolphins
Manjinder_S
, Apr 2021
We saw only whale . They are asking , we see there whale & dolphin . Otherwise its ok to visit , long trip
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2021
Kia Ora, Thank you for your review. Despite our high sightings rates with dolphins, unfortunately it is all part of them being in the wild - we don't know where they will be which pulls in the safari part of our experience. It is great that you still saw a whale! Cheers, Anna and the team at Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
... MoreLess
star-4
Nice outing
Marie_C
, Apr 2021
Firstly I was very disappointed with Viator. The price was advertised as $92 and right through the booking process it didn’t mention that it was US$! It was only after I had paid and received confirmation that it showed it was US$ and not NZ$. This was deceptive and false advertising. The trip itself was good. The staff were lovely and knowledgeable. We saw 3 orcas 10 minutes into the trip and nothing else for the rest of the 4 hrs.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2021
Kia Ora Marie, It is great to hear you enjoyed your time out with us and managed to see 3 Orcas! It is unfortunate to hear that the settings in Viator were under USD and caused confusion around the pricing. Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Cheers, Anna and the team at Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
... MoreLess
star-2
Weather spoilt it
Norm
, Mar 2021
Great Crew, but swell to big and didn’t see anything came back to shore early, not crews fault it’s just circumstances and weather. Got voucher for standby next time we in Auckland
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , May 2021
Kia Ora Norm, Thank you for taking the time to write this review of your time with us. We wish we could control the weather to ensure it is great for every trip but unfortunately it is out of our hands. We do hope to see you out there with us again soon using your voucher! Cheers, Anna and the team at Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari
... MoreLess
star-5
Good experience
Spencer_H
, Jan 2021
Welcoming and friendly staff. Got to see a lot dolphins. Unfortunately, didn’t see any whales. Got a bit sunburned on the ears.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Feb 2021
Kia Ora, thanks for your review and pleased to hear you got to see lots of dolphins out in the Hauraki Gulf with us!
... MoreLess
star-5
Last Day Before Heading Hime
Mary_M
, Aug 2020
We had an awesome day watching dolphins of all sizes. You need to be ready with your camera if you’re going to get those jumping out of the water and showing off their gymnastic skills. No whales due to the rough seas. It was a wonderful day anyway.
... MoreLess
icon Response from Host , Aug 2020
Hi Mary, thank you for your review. Really great that you had a great trip out with us and got to see the dolphins putting on a show.
... MoreLess
star-5
Got to see the dolphins!
Jelena_G
, Mar 2020
Great tour! Got to see the dolphins and staff were very friendly and professional. Definitely would recommend it!
... MoreLess
1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Had a great time
Roya_A
, Mar 2020
It was really nice being able to see so many dolphins so close. Also, learning about wildlife on the way. I was disappointed that we couldn't spot any whales, but there is no way to control that.
... MoreLess
star-4
Amazing!
Sunil_C
, Mar 2020
It was an amazing experience with a very friendly crew Just that it took longer to come back then the given time and almost the whole day was occupied. So plan your day according to the time they tell you on phone instead of the website
... MoreLess
star-3
Lots of dolphins but not one whale
blucero
, Feb 2020
I don't think it was worth the cost of the tour. I understand that we can't always find animals out in the wild, and the dolphins were great. But it was a long trip out, and then just another long trip back, with not much information in between.
... MoreLess
star-4
Great Gannets
Trevor_S
, Feb 2020
Well organised but sadly no Dolphins for three hours and no sighting of Whales. Dolphins were fun but we couldn't stay long enough. Diving Gannets were amazing. We were given a free trip voucher which we will not be able to use, nice gesture but $50 refund would have been more appropriate.
... MoreLess
star-4
See safari
Nadeer_A
, Nov 2019
The overall trip was nice with sunny weather condition. Searching for the dolphins was nice but unfortunately we could not find the Whales. The condition of the boat good and sailing was stable.it is better to be prepare for possible getting wet if you set in the front of the boat. The guide was informative and the nature of the islands were nice views
... MoreLess
Why you are seeing these recommendations

Compare Similar Experiences

Current
Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
Likely to Sell Out
Auckland Dolphin and Whale Watching Eco-Safari Cruise
star-4.51121
4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$84.27
Likely to Sell Out
Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Lunch
star-568
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$173.11
Likely to Sell Out
Auckland Harbour Sailing Experience
star-4.531
1 hour 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$64.67
Likely to Sell Out
America's Cup Sailing on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour
star-4.5107
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$124.12
Likely to Sell Out
Rotoroa Island Ferry Ticket from Auckland
star-46
8 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$35.93
Likely to Sell Out
Auckland Marine Safari Experience
star-00
6 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$358.64
The Bay of Islands Hole in the Rocks Cruise & Dolphin and Whangarei Water falls
star-51
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$415.47
Private Coast to Coast Luxury Eco Tour
star-00
6 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$331.66
Bay of Islands Small Group Tour & Cruise from Auckland
star-52
12 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$260.65
Why you are seeing these recommendations

Explore Similar Things to Do

Nature and Wildlife ToursWhale WatchingWater SportsCruises, Sailing & Water ToursOutdoor ActivitiesTours & SightseeingAucklandNature and Wildlife Tours - North IslandWhale Watching - North IslandNature and Wildlife Tours - Waiheke IslandWhale Watching - Waiheke IslandNature and Wildlife Tours - TaurangaWhale Watching - TaurangaCategory

Attractions in Auckland

Great Barrier Island Tours & TicketsPonsonby Tours & TicketsAlbert Park Tours & TicketsNorth Head Historic Reserve (Maungauika) Tours & TicketsSilo Park Tours & TicketsOdyssey Sensory Maze Tours & TicketsAotea Square Tours & TicketsHowick Historical Village Tours & TicketsCornwall Park Tours & TicketsTakapuna Tours & TicketsAuckland War Memorial Museum Tours & TicketsPorts of Auckland Tours & TicketsGlenbrook Vintage Railway Tours & TicketsCoast-to-Coast Walkway Tours & TicketsMt. Victoria Reserve (Takarunga) Tours & TicketsMotutapu Island Tours & TicketsMichael Joseph Savage Memorial Park (Savage Memorial) Tours & TicketsSkyJump Tours & TicketsRangitoto Island Tours & TicketsAuckland Zoo Tours & Tickets
Why you are seeing these recommendations